‘The safer my children will be’: Collingwood woman makes more than 5,000 masks during COVID-19 pandemic

Robin Heald learned how to sew in home economics class, and the skill came in handy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With cases rising earlier this year, the Collingwood woman sprung into action and started making masks.

She was part of a contingent of volunteers who made masks for the community, as well as the local nursing and retirement homes.

Heald, who spent many years working in the non-profit sector, including a stint with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Georgian Triangle, was more than happy to help.

“There was a call on the internet for people who knew how to sew and all of those years of home-eco, they stuck,” she said. “I have sewn over the years, Halloween costumes, altered clothing and made the occasional piece myself. I thought, ‘I can make a mask.’”

Our #COVIDHEROES series shines the spotlight on 21 people in Simcoe County who helped us endure this pandemic.

Read about all of our heroes here –

Heald made masks and hung them on a tree outside her home, allowing the community to take what they needed.

She felt it was important to keep the community safe and said that if people had a proper mask to wear to work or the grocery store, everyone would benefit.

“I think it makes me feel better – we’re all in this together and the more I make the community safe, the safer my children will be,” she said.

She tried to make the best masks possible, and even made some for those who are hard of hearing and have hearing aids.

Heald said she received donations from local residents at her door and was also able to use materials supplied the Rotary Club, stored at a shed at the Collingwood Youth Centre.

“You could pop over and get some pipe cleaners or fabric,” she said. 

Her neighbours helped spread the word and during the pandemic, she made more than 5,000 masks for the community.

She also supplied the masks for the giving tree at Habitat for Humanity.

“They have them for a donation to Habitat for Humanity, which is wonderful,” she said. “(I) kept myself busy … doing the best that I can to stay safe and healthy.”