Middlemore Hospital Physiotherapist launches mask business to support South Auckland community

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Homemade by Ashton is a small business started by Ashton Helliwell, a physiotherapist at Middlemore Hospital, who saw an opportunity to give back to the community and help the environment through her creativity.

Ashton works full time as a Physiotherapist helping people to feel empowered and to achieve their mobility goals after major injuries. In her spare time, she spends approximately 8 to 10 hours a week managing her business and creating reusable masks using cotton fabrics and upcycled materials for the community as part of Middlemore Foundation's Masks for the Community initiative.

With a goal to be environmentally friendly, Ashton collects the elastic and wires from disposable masks and thoroughly washes them before reuse.

Working at Middlemore Hospital, Ashton quickly learnt about the Middlemore Foundation and was amazed by the work we do for the South Auckland community and Aotearoa.

When we put out a call for masks, Ashton was inspired to provide masks for our whaanau who rely heavily on public transport for work and daily outings. “I believe everyone should be given a chance to protect themselves from this virus and should be able to have access to public transport and not be limited by finances.”

For every two masks sold, one mask will be donated to the Middlemore Foundation. As well as 50% of the profits. The masks can be purchased for $10 each via Facebook or Instagram.

You can also donate to the Masks for the Community cause. A $20 donation will provide our vulnerable whaanau with 10 reusable masks.