Age UK Peterborough and Cambidgeshire thank public after being inundated with face mask donations

In May, AUKCAP put out an appeal for reusable sewn face masks to be handed out to the residents across the country that they support. An initial target of 1500 was set but that was quickly met and they have now decided to close the appeal after receiving over 3100 masks.

Most of them were made by hand and have been donated from volunteers from as far afield as Cork in Ireland and Brisbane, Australia. Donations also came in from closer to home in Peterborough Wisbech, Huntingdon and Cambridge.

The biggest volunteer came from the Butterfly Project, a day centre that supports adults living with disabilities, who made over 1000.

The face masks have been gratefully received by the service users in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including those who are currently unable to use the charity’s services as they are suspended, such as members of the day services and friendship clubs.

Service user Martin Earle said: “I was very pleased to be given a mask and I use it when I go shopping. I like receiving the contact from AUKCAP and, where possible, visits from them as I miss being able to go to the day centres.”

Melanie Wicklen, Chief Executive of Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, added: “We would like to thank everyone involved for their time, support and commitment, in making these much-needed reusable face masks and face coverings.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of individuals and businesses in our local community and from much farther afield, ranging from individuals in Australia and even the NFL (National Football League), home of American Football in the UK, heard of the appeal and sent us masks!

“Every mask donated counts. Every mask will help a vulnerable person in our community and we are truly grateful for all the support.”

Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is a local independent charity working with and for older people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

They provide a range of vital services to people aged 60 and over throughout the county to include information and advice, practical support and opportunities to socialise, with a mission is to promote the well-being of all older people and to help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

If you would like to support AUKCAP, you can take a look at their BIG KNIT and SLIP INTO SLIPPERS campaigns, as well as their GET INVOLVED page, or contact by email [email protected].