‘WE’RE COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS!’
These local heroes have gone above and beyond to lend a helping hand in times of need I’M SEW HAPPY WE COULD HELP OUR COMMUNITY!
During the first COVID-19 outbreak, Dr Kirby White struggled to source enough disposable gowns, so she and colleague Dr Nicole Lowe decided to act.
In March 2020, they developed a gown that could be laundered and re-used, allowing them to keep seeing patients at their Bendigo clinic.
“The second COVID-19 wave really stretched resources for GPS – it was impossible for anyone to purchase disposable gowns,” says Kirby, who explains one reusable gown lasts as long as 130 single-use gowns.
“It was crucial to me to have a reusable gown – we didn’t know how long the pandemic was going to last so we needed a sustainable solution.”
Two weeks later, Gowns for Doctors was created. Taking to social media, Kirby, 36, shared the initiative in a local Facebook group and Bendigo radio station. Overnight, hundreds of volunteers put up their hands to sew, donate fabric and distribute the gowns. She was blown away by the incredible response.
“We had 400 emails overnight!” Kirby says. “It’s that spirit that’s allowed us to achieve so much and send out so many gowns to people in need.”
Months on, Gowns For Doctors still has a stockpile of gowns if medical staff are in need of them. “We are continuing to help those who need it.”
The success of the initiative has now gone global, after Mattel contacted Kirby to create a Barbie doll in her image, celebrating all the healthcare heroes across the world.
“Seeing my one-of-a-kind Barbie doll for the first time was a heart skip moment. There were tears of joy… she looks just like me!”
And after hand packing every order, Dr White loves seeing happy healthcare workers wearing their donated gowns.
“We’ve been sent photos of medical staff wearing their gowns with big smiles,” she says.
“Everyone has been so appreciative, we are inundated with thank you cards. It’s so nice to see.” If you’d like to sew a gown for Gowns For Doctors, email gownsfordoctors@ gmail.com or to donate visit au.gofundme.com/ gowns-for-doctors