Melody, sewer, Spread love to others

Melody is a mother of two from Melbourne, and shares her story of joining this volunteer team:

"I hope everyone is getting through this really difficult time." Once COVID-19 started to spread, the world changed dramatically. After the first coronavirus case hit Melbourne at the end of January, Melody got severely depressed.

She had experienced SARS back in 2003. She had become hyper-aware of how the virus is transmitted. She placed several orders for surgical masks on the internet, however, she never received any of them. She also had no luck trying to buy a surgical mask in the pharmacy. She was also very concerned for her children, aged 4 and 7, and found it harder trying to purchase masks for these age groups. Melody's husband works as a health care worker and has frequent contact with patients.

While the wearing of a surgical mask seemed strange to the locals, she stayed hidden inside the house for fear of contracting the virus. She also realised that health care workers were on the frontline in the battle with this virus, and so the surgical masks should be reserved for them and not herself.

Melody didn’t have much experience sewing but she decided to purchase her first sewing machine for this project. She wanted to learn a new skill to help her family and friends. She downloaded the mask pattern from the HK Mask website and started to make her first mask by following the tutorial video.

She has since made 20 masks and shared them with the people around her before joining our team. She joined this volunteer project for one simple reason - spreading love. She feels a great sense of satisfaction and pride, participating in this project with like-mind volunteers. She makes great use of her sewing skills, not just making masks, but also giving advice to beginners who wish to sew them as well. More importantly, she is helping those in need, especially the elderly, disabled and vulnerable.

While many Australians are struggling in this hard time, Melody decided to keep helping anyone in need, even strangers.

"Wearing a mask helps to protect you and minimise anxiety." We all know that people who are infected with the Coronavirus, may not show any symptoms, all the while, spreading the virus. If you are infected and wearing a mask, it also helps to contain virus particles and not spread them to other people. A reusable cotton mask is a good alternative to the surgical mask. They are washable and eco-friendly. Don't forget to keep washing hands and keeping social distancing. Stay safe!