Jenny, Sewer, All-rounded sewer+admin+mum

Jenny is a fantastic support to our volunteer team. She assists with administrator support and mask sewing. Here is some words she wanted to share with us.

When I first heard about the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak in Wuhan In December 2019, I was being very skeptical thinking that this virus is just like SARS or the bird flu that it will be contained in China and won’t really affect our life in Australia. Little did I know I was wrong!

Unlike most of the other volunteers in the group who has personally experienced SARS in Hong Kong and have lots of knowledge about masks wearing. I came to Australia when I was young, hence like many Australian is unfamiliar with the culture of wearing a face mask. I still got family and friends living in Hong Kong. They all educated me about the importance of universal masking to prevent the spread of the virus and forwarded me the DIY instructions to make the HK Mask. I was still not totally convinced.

The reality hit me in March 2020 when the panic buying started here in Sydney. I started to feel really depressed, unable to sleep and worrying about the safety of my children and elderly parents. I was feeling very alone and hopeless. My friend in Hong Kong once again encourage me to sew the HK Mask. So I dig out my sewing machine and start sewing my very first HK mask. My first DIY Mask was ridiculous, doesn’t really fit well, but I persisted.

From sewing just for my family to joining this amazing volunteer group to sew for our community. I have now made over 500 HK Masks and they definitely looks more professionally made than before. It also brought my whole family together for a good cause, my sons help with the elastic, packing and even made a few masks, husband helps with delivering the masks and Mother-in-law attend to the house chores to give me more time to sew. I am truly blessed with the support from my family.

Joining this amazing team of volunteers not only allows me to help those in need in our community, it helps me in dealing with my depression during this really difficult time. Mental illness is something we don’t often talk about, however 1 in 4 Australian suffer from depression or anxiety at some stage of their life. It is so important for us to remain connected, kind and compassionate during this COVID-19 outbreak and I am so lucky to find this group that provided me with all that.

I would like to take the opportunity to set my love and thoughts to those who is really struggling during this time. Don’t suffer in silence reach out for help! Beyond Blue Australia has a Conronavirus Mental Well-being Support Service, visit their website and give them a call. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/