Face masks from a "worthy cause"?
August 3, 2020 9:25 AM Subscribe
As someone who works in schools I may need more face masks by the end of the month. I'd love to support an entity doing good in the world with my purchase.
So I know I can get a mask from Etsy, Threadless, or the like but are there ways my purchase could be helping an organization or individual that could use the help? I'm leaving my definition of "entity doing good in the world" intentionally broad - I would happily consider social justice orgs, animal rescues or carers, political or environmental groups, or other entities. I'd also consider individuals if you know of someone who really needs the sales.
Bonus points for fun designs (dogs, rainbows, bats, otters, birds, bugs would all be awesome) and for masks with a nose wire. Have you found an organization or person you felt especially good about buying masks from?
So I know I can get a mask from Etsy, Threadless, or the like but are there ways my purchase could be helping an organization or individual that could use the help? I'm leaving my definition of "entity doing good in the world" intentionally broad - I would happily consider social justice orgs, animal rescues or carers, political or environmental groups, or other entities. I'd also consider individuals if you know of someone who really needs the sales.
Bonus points for fun designs (dogs, rainbows, bats, otters, birds, bugs would all be awesome) and for masks with a nose wire. Have you found an organization or person you felt especially good about buying masks from?
Sarah Taber [mefi previously] has been employing local seamstresses in North Carolina to make masks and there are some super cute (and also some nsfw) designs.
posted by damayanti at 9:40 AM on August 3, 2020
posted by damayanti at 9:40 AM on August 3, 2020
DIOP is owned and operated by first- and second-generation immigrants to the US, features West African-inspired prints, and supports Detroit non-profits with its proceeds. It's almost an intolerably feel-good purchase. As a white person, I also really appreciated that they explicitly address the issue of Can I Wear This?
posted by teremala at 11:08 AM on August 3, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by teremala at 11:08 AM on August 3, 2020 [2 favorites]
The Diop masks are also extremely beautiful and comfortable. I have a bunch.
posted by matildaben at 12:03 PM on August 3, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by matildaben at 12:03 PM on August 3, 2020 [3 favorites]
I like the Diop ones as well, but just a note: my husband has a fairly large head and found them very uncomfortable. He had to give his to me because they were apparently squashing his nose. So that's something to keep in mind.
posted by holborne at 12:13 PM on August 3, 2020
posted by holborne at 12:13 PM on August 3, 2020
Community Masks
For every mask purchased, a mask is donated to someone who cannot afford to buy their own. I have purchased several for myself and as gifts. They are outstanding quality, a good thick fabric with a metal nose bar. (they do run hot in the summer heat).
posted by JennyJupiter at 3:38 PM on August 3, 2020
For every mask purchased, a mask is donated to someone who cannot afford to buy their own. I have purchased several for myself and as gifts. They are outstanding quality, a good thick fabric with a metal nose bar. (they do run hot in the summer heat).
posted by JennyJupiter at 3:38 PM on August 3, 2020
I saw someone today wearing a face mask with the word VOTE on it, and looked it up to find this company. It’s a worthy cause only insofar as it’s a worthy message.
posted by inkytea at 5:45 PM on August 3, 2020
posted by inkytea at 5:45 PM on August 3, 2020
I'll endorse Diop as well. I had a problem with my order which they took care of quickly and with no hassle at all.
posted by maurice at 9:05 AM on August 4, 2020
posted by maurice at 9:05 AM on August 4, 2020
I just came across this sidebar regarding mask makers within the restaurant industry:
Hedley & Bennett , who have a buy one donate one program;
GIR , silicone masks
Tilitnyc , who donate to workers through the LEE initiative.
posted by winesong at 12:44 PM on August 4, 2020
Hedley & Bennett , who have a buy one donate one program;
GIR , silicone masks
Tilitnyc , who donate to workers through the LEE initiative.
posted by winesong at 12:44 PM on August 4, 2020
Response by poster: Thanks so much for all the great ideas, everyone - I'm delighted to have so many good options to consider! I'm glad I have need of multiple masks as I don't see how I could pick just one. I'm going to mark this one resolved, but if anybody has any further suggestions, please do add. Thanks again!
posted by DingoMutt at 7:28 PM on August 4, 2020
posted by DingoMutt at 7:28 PM on August 4, 2020
Sorry, coming in super late, but I immediately thought of Piglet the deaf blind pink puppy. They do fundraising for all sorts of things like teaching inclusion and accessibility as well as animal needs. The masks are cute!
posted by kitten kaboodle at 1:38 PM on August 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 1:38 PM on August 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by johngoren at 9:37 AM on August 3, 2020 [1 favorite]