Battlefords woman sews masks for front-line workers

A North Battleford area woman with time on her hands due to isolation and cooler days, started making face masks about six weeks ago and has stitched more than 100. 

Denise Ethier got the idea when making summer outfits for her granddaughters and found patterns for masks on Pinterest. 

She made masks for her coworkers at SGI Salvage and their families and approached some local businesses asking if their frontline workers needed masks. 

“I wish to donate to workers on the front lines of essential businesses that do not have access to masks,” said Ethier. 

The masks she makes are only available to North Battleford area residents.

“I am a one-woman operation and so I can only protect the workers close to home.

“I did clean out Walmart of what they had left in the sewing section,” she added. 

She has almost used up all her materials and will accept donations of new materials from the public. She is also looking forward to a fabric store in town opening. 

Ethier said her daughter has a small business and wanted to sell some of the masks she made.

“I sold a number for a fee of $5 to cover some costs of goods,” said Ethier, adding her intention was never to sell them.

“I am not selling.” 

And just how many masks Ethier will make is uncertain. 

“I will continue with the masks as long as there is a need and I have the supplies to make what is needed in the months to come,” she said. 

Ethier and her husband live on an acreage and this year they are planting two large gardens to help the local food bank. Her husband usually supplies pumpkins to the Co-op, she said.

“This year we have decided to plant for the needy. The gardens are to produce vegetables for the food bank and people who have suffered with job loss and lack of funds to purchase needed grocery supplies to feed their families.” 

Anyone interested in masks from Ethier can email her at [email protected], message her on Facebook, or text her at 306-480-1047.