We are saying thank you to some wonderful organisations who have supported the community during the pandemic.
Earlier this year, the urgent need for more personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers became a focal point of the pandemic.
However, the shortage didn’t just affect doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
Frontline disability workers were also affected, as disability services organisations struggled to acquire PPE, including protective gowns that help to keep workers and their clients safe.
Able Australia came up with an innovative solution – and rallied a community of volunteers to sew protective gowns for their disability support workers.
In March, Able Australia contacted Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre to recruit volunteer sewers. Since then, 28 volunteers have been recruited through this partnership, producing 250 protective gowns for disability support workers out in the community.
Judith is one of the dedicated volunteers who has assisted in the sewing effort.
‘I do not have the skills to be a disability support worker – but I do have sewing skills. By making a gown, it’s one small way I can show my appreciation for those caring for others under pandemic conditions, and in turn help the people Able Australia cares for,’ Judith said.
Kate MacRae, Able Australia’s CEO, reflected on the outpouring of support from the community.
‘We are overwhelmed by the response from the community and how they are supporting us during this crisis. With the help of our volunteers, we have been able to create these gowns to help protect our clients and support workers from the spread of COVID-19,’ she said.
