Power trio gets inventive with gown-sewing project

The world is dealing with a coronavirus pandemic, but difficult times often bring out the best in many people. Neighbours help neighbours. Strangers help strangers. We want to hear what you’re doing to lift spirits or make a difference during this challenging time. Share your story and/or photo by emailing reply@calgaryherald.com.

SEWING SUCCESSES

First they tackled masks, now they’re producing medical gowns. The power trio of Joyce Goddard, Ashley Proceviat and Marilyn Wilkinson are sewing the gowns for Hull Services, an organization that helps children and families dealing with mental health and behavioural challenges. The women were part of a group that sewed dozens of masks for Hull Services, before moving on to the next request — medical gowns.

Says Proceviat, “Joyce’s attitude is always, ‘Well let’s get at it.’ She drafted a pattern in two sizes and stared sewing.” One of the challenges involved in sewing the gowns was that when the project started, no fabric stores were open, so the group used sheets, quilting fabrics and bias tape from Goddard’s stash.

LOCAL CELEBS CHEER MRU GRADS

Although formal convocation ceremonies for Mount Royal University students have been postponed until at least the fall, the university will fete its new alumni beginning today with a series of online messages.

Honorary degree recipients and Alberta celebrities including Bret Hart, Paul Brandt, Kelly Hrudey, Mark Tewksbury and Cassie Campbell

are just some of the people who have recorded well-wishes to grads, as has Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid, who received a MRU honorary degree last year.

POETRY PROVIDES A LIFT

Calgary senior Carolyn Zimmerman wrote a poem, to put a smile on people’s faces. Here is an excerpt. It will be a while to accept

All that is new;

But the resilient people we are That is what we will do.

So, people stay calm and relax The world as we know it is not coming back.

Stand up, stand tall

Be grateful one and all.

You survived COVID-19

And that is the very best gift of all.

Joyce Goddard designed patterns for medical gowns, and was part of a group that then sewed them, to help Hull Service, an organization that helps children and families dealing with mental health challenges.