Demand for Piper Spaltman’s handmade face masks in Gisborne is high and with good reason.
The 14-year-old last week donated $1000 from their sales to Gisborne Foodbank, which helps locals put food on the table in hard times.
With the need higher than ever, Piper donated 30 per cent of her face mask sales, which she began producing to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
“In the beginning I was making face masks for my friends and family, and then a friend suggested that I should sell them to people in the community,” Piper said.
“We have all heard stories of people in need of the foodbank and it is nice to know that this will help them.”
Proud mum Susan said Piper dedicated four to five hours after school each evening to sew more than 300 fabric face masks within two weeks.
Piper has had the support of 3 Little Pigs café in Gisborne, which has stocked the masks for people to purchase.
Gisborne Foodbank manager Anita Worrell was blown away by the generous donation made last Wednesday.
“It was such a lovely gesture for a young teen to think of the foodbank and to make such a large donation,” she said.
“We can’t thank generous people like Piper enough. This donation has come at a great time when the need is certainly there.”
Ms Worrell said the foodbank assisted about 150 families and individuals last month and was beginning to see new people in need of support.
“We know there are people with changing needs at this time. My message is: you don’t need to go hungry. Don’t hesitate to come in – we are here to help,” she said.
Piper’s donation is expected to go towards groceries and supplies; in particular minced meat that will enable families to cook their own shared meals.
Piper continues to create her face masks that are available for purchase from 3 Little Pigs in Gisborne.
The Gisborne Foodbank supports the immediate Gisborne community and surrounds and has the capacity to deliver to those who cannot visit in person.
The foodbank at 23 Brantome Street is open Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 3pm. For details visit gisbornefoodbank.org.au
