Helping provide masks for care homes

The news on the 14th of April wasn’t good; care homes across the UK had been hit particularly badly by COVID-19 and many of the carers said they struggled to get hold of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Reading the reports as they came in was Jiani, a Learning Advisor from Skills@library. Jiani, a Chinese member of staff, and Xiaowen (a PhD researcher from School of Education) began talking. They knew many Chinese students would have surgical or N95 masks posted from their families in China, and would be willing to donate, but might not know how to.

Wish you good heath, and everything goes smoothly! We will get through it! Keep safe.

That evening, Xiaowen set up a “Chinese Leeds Uni student mask donation to local care home” WeChat group and posted the QR code ad into various Chinese Leeds Uni students WeChat groups. On that first evening, over 40 students had joined the group. They set up an online spreadsheet, and the donation information came in — addresses, contact numbers, how many masks.

Over the next two days, Jiani and her husband Dan (who used to work in the Laidlaw library) made several trips to collect the donations from different student accommodations.

It was really emotional for me to see the University tower on 15 April, for the first time since 16 March! — Jiani

As well as students in halls of residence, some students were in private accommodation. Dan and Jiani continued their journey to pick up all the masks they were offered.

Outside a hall of residence, with donated masks and yellow roses

Arriving to collect the masks from halls was often the most hardest and overwhelming part for Jiani.

She says “ It was even more emotional when we were driving between different accommodations, seeing the young student faces waiting for us with their donations outside their accommodations.

Some told me that their parents sent the masks in early March to them and they took 4 weeks to arrive.”

Take care and carry on! We live under the same sky and share the same weight on our shoulders.

“My mum asked me to give the masks out in supermarkets and on street. So I’ve made 20 of these plastic wallets with 5 masks in each”, said one girl. “I’m so glad you’re doing this. I tried to give them out in public but care home is better. We know they urgently need masks!”

Many of the donations had caring and thoughtful messages attached to them.

Some said their masks only arrived the day before, and just in time to donate. Others said they had masks posted to them in January and February when the outbreak started in Wuhan. They were really glad the masks could get better used at the most needful places.

“We only go out once every fortnight; the masks should be with the most needed ”, said another two girls (flat mates) “You made my spring! I finally feel I did something meaningful to fight against COVID19”

Donated masks outside accommodation

Jiani, Dan and Xiaowen began assembling what they had collected each day. The amount was slowly adding up.

Donated masks on Jiani’s dining room floor. The heart is around the plastic wallets holding sets of 5 masks made up by a student.

Over a 1,000 masks were collected on the first night, and a similar amount the second night. By the 16th of April, less than 48 hours after their initial idea, 1644 masks had been donated to 8 Leeds care homes, and one home care company and one charity/society.

Hundreds of donated masks, ready for delivery

As Jiani tweeted about it, offers of more masks, suggestions for how to get the masks to care homes came in, from other students, the public, a local MP and someone who works for the council. By the end of the first week, nearly 2250 masks were donated and delivered to care homes, home care companies and carers.

Jiani tweeted about the process. Others picked it up and offers of support came in.

Out in the care homes, Jiani and Dan talked to a few carers and nurses and receives some really touching messages.

“I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you on behalf of my mum and helping hands! The masks you delivered yesterday will make a massive difference and they cannot thank you enough. 🌈”

Are you not battle dressed? Let’s share the coat and vest!

“Just want to say a big thank you once again for the masks. Can you thank all those who have kindly donated them. It was a lovely thing to do. All the team members are messaging a big thank you as we speak. Many best wishes to you and your wife and all the lovely students. Keep safe!”

A nurse with donated masks — photo taken by Alex Sobel MP’s team.

“Thank you a million times for the lifesaving masks!!!”

At the time of writing, 2738 collected, and donated to 15 care homes, 1 home care company, 2 individual carers and 1 charity/society.

Xiaowen, Jiani and Dan with masks they have collected.

With huge thanks to Jiani, Dan and Xiaowen, and every single person who’s donated, helped and supported this. We’re so very proud of you.

For enquiries, contact studentcommunications@leeds.ac.uk .