A local PECI student that owns a business is getting into the fight against COVID-19

Cody-Rae Fowler, 16, operates Scrunchie and Go and is helping during this pandemic the only way she knows how-making 100 per cent cotton homemade face masks for anyone in need.

While she admits the masks are not a medical grade alternative to the N-95 mask being used at hospitals, Fowler still wanted to help the public and benefit people who might go into the community to complete essential tasks and wanted a level of protection that wouldn’t drain the supply of the much needed N-95 masks.

“The benefit of my masks against COVID-19 transmission is not as effective as the N-95 mask,” said Fowler. “ But they do help when you go grocery shopping and you put your mask on- it can keep you from touching your face and transmitting COVID-19 that way.”

Having always like the idea of helping people, Fowler plans on becoming a nurse once she graduates secondary school.

“When I graduate PECI I want to become a nurse so I thought this could be a way to help out,” expressed Fowler. “I’ve always liked the idea of helping people- that’s why I want to be a nurse so I thought if I did my small part it would make an impact on peoples lives.”

After running out of elastic and not being able to source it anywhere, Fowler posted to Facebook asking for any kind of donations and announced she was dedicating three days for making face masks starting Mar. 27.

By Tuesday,  Fowler had received a great number of donations of materials to produce over 200 masks and will continue making masks until either the fabrics and/or elastics run out. 

“I’ve actually had a lot of donations from people as well as a lot of elastic,” Fowler stated. “I’ve gone to Picton, Belleville, Trenton and Napanee looking and hadn’t found any elastic and when I put the post on Facebook, so many people have been donating which has been really nice because it’s helped me make more masks. Without the support of my family and the community, I would have never been able to do this so I really thank them.”

Fowler will be giving half of the masks she’s created to Prince Edward County Memorial hospital staff so they can use them in public if warranted and the other half are available for pick up for a donation.

Half the money raised from this endeavour will be turned over to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation while the other half will cover the costs of the material and allow Fowler to continue to produce the masks.

Porch side pick up for the masks is available along with a donation jar.

E-transfer is also available.

“I do a porch-side pick up and I have a little donation jar on my porch,” Fowler said. “People will either put their money in there and then I take the money and lysol it and then wash my hands, or people e-transfer it to me.”

If your interested in a face mask, please visit Fowler’s Scrunchie and Go Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/scrunchie.go/