The sewing machines were delivered yesterday.

Now, as the weekend begins, a group of skilled seamstresses currently living in Direct Provision Centres in Cork have set to work making hygiene masks to distribute to fellow residents, the elderly in nursing homes and other vulnerable groups.

The Sanctuary Mask Initiative (SMI) has recruited women living in Direct Provision Centres to produce the masks, supplying them with a sewing machine, fabric and all the necessary supplies for the manufacturing of washable hygiene masks using pure cotton and linen, which are breathable and non-irritant.

The project, spearheaded by BetterTogether and the Cork Migrant Centre with the support of the UCC University of Sanctuary, UCC Feminist Society and UCC Fáilte Refugees, is coordinated by Olga Voytenko, a seamstress and resident of Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, who recently set up her own sewing and alterations business in the heart of Cork city.

Charlotte Cargin from Charlotte and Jane, a Kinsale-based design label, has stepped in as design consultant.

Each of the women involved will earn a wage for their labour (in accordance with their right to work status) and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help fund the operation.

“Residents of Direct Provision centres are often viewed through a deficit lens as passive recipients of events and as individuals with nothing to contribute to society.” the project managers posted on the page.

“The Sanctuary Mask Initiative is designed to harness the strengths of people living within the Direct Provision system, recognising their agency in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.”

You can make a donation here or email sanctuarymaskinitiative@gmail.com.