May Updates!
Masks and Their Meaning
As we stand strong together in wearing our masks, we may wonder why some of us choose to wear one and why others may not. For a lot of us, wearing a mask is yet another inconvenience but I try to see it from an optimistic perspective. For myself, It takes very little effort to wear a mask and it gives me peace of mind to know that I can try to do my part to help keep others safe. A mask also symbolizes solidarity and respect to keeping each other safe, alive, and well.
While' I do miss the chance to see a smile on someone’s face or other forms of facial expressions, I also feel happy inside when I see someone else wearing their mask. This is not only a mutual sign of respect, this is a team effort and it takes all of us to do our part. Will we be wearing masks forever? I certainly hope not! This is but a small sacrifice to prevent something much worse from happening.
One of the most exciting things has been to see how people from all walks of life have gotten so creative with their masks. We here at Masks4Missions have tried to bring out the best in others while proudly wearing our masks. I am always moved when I see other people using their imaginations and going wild on our DIY masks in particular. I’ve heard some feedback from others saying that masks dehumanize us, but I really beg to differ. In so many ways these masks have humanized us by embracing what is so precious to us - our health, or well-being, and our livelihoods.
A masks true meaning is to not only protect ourselves but to also protect one another. With something as a face mask, it unites us, and lets us embrace the preciousness and fragility of our lives. A mask means we are respectful and concerned, we are committed and strong in spirit, and that we can each do our little part to bring us back to better times ahead.
Partners In The Spotlight
Aung Htet, Founder/CEO of AGH Fulfillment
Masks4Missions is grateful to Aung Htet and AGH Fulfillment for their extraordinary effort and pro bono services to further the mission of keeping Vermonters safe. AGH worked with us to distribute over 100,000 COVID masks across all 50 states, handling the supply chain, packing, and shipping. Based in South Burlington, VT, AGH Fulfillment was founded to assist small start-up to mid-size Wholesale and eCommerce businesses with their shipping and logistics needs. AGH Fulfillment works with their clients to streamline their operations and lower their fulfillment costs. AGH also features A Slice Of Vermont, an online marketplace for made in Vermont brands including Benito’s Hot Sauce, Hello Hue Studio, and Sheep Shop. AGH offers secure warehousing, accurate pick & pack options, discounted shipping rates, and highly customizable, affordable, and scalable eCommerce solutions.
For more information, please visit their website at https://aghfulfillment.com/
Mask of the Month
University of Vermont Medical Center
The University of Vermont Medical Center is part of The University of Vermont Health Network, a six-hospital network serving patients and their families in Vermont and northern New York. They’re not just caregivers – they’re your friends and neighbors, dedicated to providing you with the best medical care possible.
Together, The University of Vermont Medical Center, College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences form one of just 138 academic medical centers in the country. Their nationally recognized health care experts are researchers and teachers, physicians and nurses who offer leading-edge therapies backed by laboratory and clinical research.
DIY Masks In Action
We are excited to feature Annie from Chelsea, VT whose artistry was captured on one of our DIY masks!
Special thanks to Genny Albert, Executive Director of The Arts Bus for sharing this photos with us. Speaking about our masks, Genny said, “We are pulling them out at each new stop to share with kids, encouraging them to decorate for families, friends, teachers, and themselves – and they love it!” The Arts Bus distributed our masks across Vermont where they are being deployed into an artful, fun-filled purpose. For more information, please visit www.artsbusvt.org
Do you have a mask design you would like featured wearing one of our masks? Please submit a photo to us at info@masks4missions.org.
Hot Off The Press!
Masks4Missions and its network of ~100 supporting partnerships—without which our work would not have been possible—have been recognized nationally and locally. We received American Business Awards’ national Gold Stevies for Best Public Engagement/PR Campaign of the Year in COVID-19 response and National Nonprofit Entrepreneur of the Year. Locally, Vermont Business Magazine honored us as Vermont’s Best New Business of 2020. Congratulations to all our nonprofit partners for this noteworthy achievement engaging the public around mask usage and community stewardship!
