MEMBERS of Strangford Lough Yacht Club have joined a nationwide team of volunteers sewing scrubs and making PPE equipment for those working on the frontline.
The sailors, who until recently were unable to get out on the water, have been keeping busy and doing their bit in the fight against Covid-19.
Junior member Adam Fermor has joined a community of 8,000 volunteers, through 3D Crowd UK, who are using their 3D printers to make PPE equipment for a number of care homes, hospitals and surgeries.
Adam has been able to provide 200 masks and has been busy fundraising and has raised enough money to buy another printer, which will double his output.
Myrea Jenkins has also been putting her skills to good use and assisting the NHS. She joined a group of volunteers who have been making scrubs for hospitals. Myrea’s latest batch of scrubs were provided to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.
Susan McKnight, from Strangford Lough Yacht Club, commented: “It is fantastic to hear such stories emerging from our membership.
“Additionally, I am aware that there is a significant proportion of our membership that are key workers. I am humbled by the work that they are currently doing in order to keep us safe. Thank you.”
RYA Northern Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer Richard Honeyford said: “During volunteering week we remembered the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and how crucial they are in making our sport a success.
“We are very proud of all of our volunteers — we know that they are the bedrock of our sport but in recent times it has become very clear that they are also the bedrock of our community.”
He added: “Examples like the volunteers at Strangford Lough Yacht Club show the value of volunteering and what we can achieve when we all work together. I would like to say thank you to you all.”