Days for Girls - Mackay Queensland Australia: March 2020

Saturday 29th March 2020

Hope Dignity Strength Health Education Freedom Empowerment Liberty Safety

Every Girl . Everywhere . Period

To our wonderful Australian Days for Girls leaders, volunteers and supporters

You may be aware that there has been quite a bit of discussion on Days for Girls Australia social media regarding the recent call from Celeste to make reusable face masks as a response to the Covid-19 outbreak (Masks4Millions Campaign).

This action was a response to a shortage of surgical masks in the USA, where hospitals approached Days for Girls for reusable masks. We have not had a similar request in Australia, nor are we likely to because of our strict therapeutic goods standards.

Our research revealed conflicting advice on the efficacy of surgical and cloth masks in preventing people from contracting the virus. Evidence is that sterile surgical masks are preferable, though by no means one hundred percent effective.

The Australian Board is concerned that people may place more trust in a reusable mask than is warranted or proven and we would urge caution when making and/or distributing any hand-sewn cloth masks. People should be aware that the science indicates that wearing a mask will not fully protect you from contracting the Covid-19 virus. Further, wearing a mask must always be combined with frequent handwashing and keeping your hands away from your face.

This does not of course preclude you and your volunteers from making masks for your personal or family use - or on request. It does mean that you need to be very clear when distributing them, as to their limitations.

We also ask that should you decide to make masks for your personal or family use, or on request, that you do not promote them as Days for Girls masks or badge them with a Days for Girls label.

We are all hoping that you are following health guidelines and staying well. Please let us know if you need any added support at this time by contacting your Team or Chapter Leader, or your State Coordinator or Director. We also encourage you to reach out to each other, whether you are helping to save lives by staying home, or by continuing to work to support our community.

Warmest regards

Lynne Sutherland

President Days for Girls Australia Limited

presidentau@daysforgirls.org

Hope Dignity Strength Health Education Freedom Empowerment Liberty Safety

Saturday 21st March 2020 - Poetry Corner!

Hope Dignity Strength Health Education Freedom Empowerment Liberty Safety

Every Girl . Everywhere . Period

Thanks to our very versatile Jan - master of Cent Sales and Poetry ... and, no doubt, many other things ... 😄

~~~

Hope Dignity Strength Health Education Freedom Empowerment Liberty Safety

Saturday 21st March 2020

Dear Days for Girls family,

Our emails and phone lines have been flooded with requests for face masks to distribute to medical personnel and patients around the world. Those who know Days for Girls know that we have 70,000 volunteers, and a majority of them are sewers, so these calls are not a surprise. We are ready to pivot to answer the need!

As a global community that has a long history of stepping up to challenges, we are calling on all of you to help respond to this critical need. Join us to participate in the DfG Masks4Millions campaign.

Our goal is to provide millions masks to hospitals and clinics around the world.

For all you sewers out there, we are asking that right now, in addition to the beautiful Days for Girls menstrual pads that you are sewing, also make face masks for medical personnel and patients while this need exists.

Let's make sure we keep everyone safe and ensure that medical professionals have the supplies they need while they are on the front lines. Ready to get involved?

Meanwhile: periods do not pause for pandemics and many stores are already running low on pads and tampons, in some cases they are completely out.

Our washable pads are becoming an important solution for even more of us, and always smart to have on hand. Please keep assisting with the needs of your local food banks, and shelters, and making them available to others in need — perhaps even your neighbor.

If you're unable to sew, you can still join us with a donation. And stay tuned for updates. Stay calm and wash on, sew on, serve on. Stay safe. You matter, too. 🧡

With gratitude,
Celeste

PS: Once you finish, take a photo and tag us at @daysforgirls using the hashtags #masks4millions and #padstomasks.

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Saturday 14th March 2020

Hope Dignity Strength Health Education Freedom Empowerment Liberty Safety

Every Girl . Everywhere . Period

NOTE to all DfG Mky volunteers!

Because of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, it has become necessary for our team to have a little break from our wonderful Saturday Workshops. It has been decided that these will be put on hold until May. The situation will then be reviewed.
As Cathy remarked 'We're not stopping our good work only slowing it down'...
We will keep you informed...Stay tuned!