Tong – Canada Masq

Posted on: December 9, 2024December 9, 2024

Continuous partnership with Hope and Healing International to support Zambia community

In the warmth of a bustling, a newly constructed mothers’ shelter and maternity annex in rural Zambia, a tiny heartbeat echoes a powerful tale of hope—a story that began with the spirit of giving in the hearts of Canadians thousands of miles away. This heartbeat belongs to a Zambian premature baby girl, who against all odds, is thriving thanks to a life-saving gift: an incubator funded by our generous customers of CANADAMASQ

The spirit of giving from 664 supporters of CANADAMASQ
Back in Christmas 2022, a remarkable gathering of 664 supporters from our valued customers of CANADAMASQ, resulted in a heartfelt fundraiser that was more than just a campaign; it was a collective pledge to extend a helping hand over 12,000 kilometers (about 7456.45 mi), from frosty Canadian landscapes to the warmth of an African community in need. With open hearts and immense generosity, a total of $7,670 was raised, securing not one but two precious incubators for a women’s shelter in rural Zambia.

The Journey of Hope
The incubators’ voyage from our community to the Zambian shelter was not without its challenges. It was a journey fraught with logistical challenges and the sheer complexity of navigating the delivery through remote landscapes. Thank you to our caring and supportive partner, Hope and Healing International and their local partners in Africa, they made it possible. The 2 incubators traveled across oceans and land, a testament to our unwavering commitment. The joy on the faces of the shelter staff when the incubators and other medical equipment arrived was a profound reminder of why we persevere through such challenges.

Impact on the Ground
Sub-Saharan Arica, the region that Zambia is located, faces the world’s highest preterm birth rates, with staggering 40% of deliveries occurring prematurely. The neonatal mortality rate is a heartbreaking 27 deaths per 1000 live births, accounting for 43% of global newborn deaths. This dire situation places a critical spotlight on the life-giving impact of the incubators funded by our incredible customers. With the enhanced capability to nurture the fragile lives of preterm babies, the shelter has begun to rewrite the story of neonatal care in their community, providing a beacon of hope where it’s needed most.

The gratitude from Zambia
A recent visit of Hope and Healing delivered heartwarming messages from the women’s shelter and coincide with the incubator’s arrival. Sr. Constansia Lungu, the facility administrator, expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Today, we stand on the threshold of a brighter future for our mothers and children,” she said. She highlighted the transformative impact of the donated equipment from Canada Masq Corporation and Hope and Healing, ensuring safer deliveries and better outcomes for newborns.

Delphine Lutenda, an expectant mother, also shared her appreciation. “We are truly blessed to have the new maternity annex and mother’s shelter, thanks to the generosity of CHAZ and Stanbic Bank (Hope and Healing’s local partners), and a heartfelt thank you to Hope and Healing for ensuring the facility is fully equipped. This will make a huge difference for all the mothers in our community.”

A Future Filled with Promise
The new facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, are more than just buildings; they represent a beacon of hope. They offer a supportive environment for mothers during crucial times and give newborns a healthier start, contributing to a stronger and healthier community. The partnership between Canada Masq Corporation and Hope and Healing International exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating lasting positive changes.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for all your generous support, which has been instrumental in realizing this transformative journey. If you would like to continue supporting this journey, please click the button below.

Posted on: December 3, 2024December 3, 2024

Life Sciences Ontario Queen’s Park Reception

A big thanks to Life Sciences Ontario for hosting their annual Queen’s Park Day Reception on November 27, 2024. It was a great evening where we were able to share some of the exciting developments at Canada Masq Corporation where we are launching the first ever ASTM Procedure Mask which is 100% sourced and manufactured in Ontario, as well as our VR Goggles designed for senior care.

So nice to meet the Hon. Sylvia Jones, the Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and the Hon. Vic Fedeli, the Chair of Cabinet and the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, to discuss the many projects at Canada Masq Corporation.

Posted on: July 26, 2024December 4, 2024

Canada Masq Corporation and Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA) Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance PPE Access

Toronto, ON – July 26, 2024: Canada Masq Corporation, a proud Canadian manufacturer of CSA Certified CA-N95 respirators and ASTM procedure masks, and the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA), the voice of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in Ontario, are excited to announce a strategic partnership aimed at offering PSWs across Ontario and nationwide improved access to high-quality, protective PPE at exclusive pricing.

This collaboration ensures that the dedicated members of the OPSWA, who tirelessly support individuals and families with care and compassion, will have easy access to Canada Masq’s premium PPE products, including the Q100, Canada’s first CSA Certified CA-N95 respirators available in 4 sizes.

“Canada Masq Corporation is committed to the safety and well-being of healthcare workers,” said Duff Mitchell, VP of Business Development. “Our products are designed to offer unparalleled protection, and through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the safety of PSWs as they continue to perform their critical roles in our communities.”

The partnership comes at a crucial time as PSWs remain on the frontlines of the ongoing health challenges. By providing them with reliable protective equipment, Canada Masq and OPSWA are helping to reduce the risk PSWs face of contracting harmful bacteria and viruses during their essential work.

Miranda Ferrier, CEO of OPSWA, commented on the partnership, “The health and safety of our members are paramount. We are pleased to collaborate with Canada Masq to secure exclusive access to their top-tier PPE products. Ensuring PSWs are well-equipped is a key step in safeguarding their health, which in turn, protects the health of those they care for.”

To take advantage of the exclusive offerings, OPSWA members can visit the OPSWA Member Page through OPSWA website for more information and to view the range of PPE products available.

Canada Masq Corporation and OPSWA are excited to embark on this journey together, enhancing the protection of personal support workers across the province and the nation.

For further information, please contact:

Duff Mitchell
VP of Business Development
Canada Masq Corporation

20 East Wilmot St, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1A4
duffm@wbe.499.mytemp.website
647-277-2848
www.canadamasq.com

Miranda Ferrier
CEO of OPSWA
Canadian Support Workers Association
Ontario PSW Association
101 Holiday Inn Drive, PO Box 29045 Cambridge, Ontario N3C 0A0
info@opswa.com
www.opswa.com

About Canada Masq Corporation
Established in 2019, Canada Masq Corporation, a trusted partner of the Ontario Government, is a Canadian manufacturer of CSA Certified CA-N95 respirators, ASTM procedure masks, bouffant and shoe covers. With a focus on innovation, quality, and commitment, Canada Masq’s products are engineered to provide unmatched protection in various medical, industrial, and consumer contexts.

About OPSWA (Ontario Personal Support Worker Association)
The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association is the professional association representing Personal Support Workers in Ontario. Currently representing over 60,000 PSWs. OPSWA advocates for the PSW profession and aims to enhance the quality of care provided by PSWs to their clients by ensuring access to continuing education, legal advice, and now, thanks to their partnership with Canada Masq Corporation, quality personal protective equipment.

Posted on: June 6, 2023December 4, 2024

Should You Wear a Mask for Wildfire Smoke Prevention? The Case of Recurring Wildfires in Canada

The escalating climate crisis has led to an increase in wildfire frequency and intensity around the globe, with regions such as Canada witnessing recurrent wildfires. Wildfires not only wreak havoc on ecosystems and communities but also compromise air quality, affecting public health significantly. The urgent question for individuals in fire-prone regions is whether they should wear masks to prevent exposure to wildfire smoke.

Wildfires, such as those recurrently seen in Canada, unleash a potent mix of gases and fine particles into the atmosphere. This is the result of burning vegetation and building materials. These minute particles, also known as PM2.5 due to their diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, pose a serious health risk. They can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and exacerbating conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In these circumstances, wearing a mask can provide a degree of protection from inhaling these hazardous particles. However, the effectiveness of the mask significantly depends on its type and the correctness of its usage.

Typical cloth masks or surgical masks, which are effective in curbing the spread of diseases like COVID-19, are not equipped to filter out the tiny particulate matter present in wildfire smoke. For such purposes, respirators such as N95 or P100 are recommended. These masks are adept at filtering out 95% and 99.97% of airborne particles, respectively, including the ultrafine PM2.5 particles.

It’s important to note that these masks need to fit correctly to provide protection. A loose fit can allow unfiltered air to leak into the mask. Some models come with exhalation valves for easier breathing. However, these valves can let exhaled air, which may carry viruses, escape. Therefore, during pandemics, health authorities do not recommend masks with exhalation valves.

Additionally, people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or respiratory problems, or those unaccustomed to wearing these masks, may find it hard to breathe with them on. Therefore, they should consult with healthcare professionals before using such masks.

While masks can offer a level of protection, they are not a substitute for other preventative measures. Staying indoors, ideally in an environment with filtered air, is the most effective way to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. Keeping windows and doors closed, using air purifiers, and avoiding activities that increase indoor pollution are also beneficial strategies.

In conclusion, especially in regions like Canada that suffer from recurrent wildfires, masks, particularly N95 or P100 respirators, can be a valuable tool in the battle against harmful particles in wildfire smoke, provided they are used correctly. Nevertheless, masks should be regarded as part of a broader strategy to safeguard health in such situations, and public health advice, tailored to the specific conditions and risks, should always be heeded.

Posted on: April 12, 2023December 4, 2024

Heart to Zambia – 5 million masks, 5 million blessings

Part 1: Planting a Seed of Compassion

We are deeply grateful for the support and interest showed by everyone who has contacted us regarding CANADAMASQ’s initiative in Zambia following our CTV interview. It warms our hearts to see that there are many caring individuals concerned about underprivileged communities. This support encourages us to keep making a difference in society.

You might be curious about how CANADAMASQ, located 12,589km away from Zambia, managed to establish this connection. It all began amid the pandemic in 2021…

As CANADAMASQ worked tirelessly to produce millions of masks to safeguard Canadians, we recognized that numerous communities worldwide still had limited access to essential healthcare supplies.

Through the Toronto-based charity Hope and Healing International, we learned about the dire situation in southern Saharan Africa, where the Omicron variant originated. The acute shortage of COVID-19 protective gear put countless lives at risk, particularly those of children with medical conditions and disabilities.

Moved by this crisis, Anthony Zhao, CANADAMASQ’s CEO, swiftly donated 5 million masks to assist in saving lives in Africa. This act of kindness has sown the seeds of compassion on the African continent.

Part 2: A caring spirits of Canada to Zambia

We felt that adding Maple leaves to our masks would give them a special Canadian touch before sending them off to Zambia. Our close-knit teams at Canada Masq and Hope and Healing are working hand in hand, creating masks from the heart to truly make a difference for those in need.

Our collaboration is all about sharing the warmth, empathy, and kindness that Canadians are known for. By working side by side, Canada Masq and Hope and Healing have combined our passions to help support the communities in Zambia that need essential supplies, like masks, to keep them safe and healthy.

Incorporating the iconic Maple leaf into our masks adds a personal touch, symbolizing the caring spirit of Canada. These Maple leaf masks not only represent our country but also convey a message of hope and strength to the people receiving them in Zambia.

As we gather to craft these special Maple leaf masks, there’s a warm atmosphere of friendship, unity, and understanding. Everyone, whether from Canada Masq or Hope and Healing, feels a deep connection to the Zambian people and is eager to make a positive difference in their lives. It’s in these moments that the true essence of Canadian values shines brightly.

This mask donation highlights the ongoing needs of vulnerable communities in countries like Zambia. Our collaboration is a reminder that when we come together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, regardless of the distance that separates us.

In the end, the collaboration between Canada Masq and Hope and Healing is an inspiring story of empathy, compassion, and unity, driving positive change in the world. Working together to create and donate Maple leaf masks for vulnerable people in Zambia, we extend our hands in friendship and support across borders. As these masks make their journey to Zambia, they’ll symbolize hope, healing, and the power of human connection—values we hold dear as Canadians.