Launching today, ‘Free Masketeers’ is designing bespoke masks for businesses using the leftover fabric from London hotel uniforms and NHS approved scrubs whilst supporting charities across the UK. For every 100 masks ordered, 20 masks are donated to charities who need them the most.
Free Masketeers combines the skills of Lynn Mackie, who runs a renowned high-end, bespoke uniform business for the hospitality sector and Lindsay Paterson, a leadership coach working in the public affairs and comms space. The two have been firm friends for many years and combined their talents following the outbreak of Covid-19 to deliver over 10,000 masks to charities helping disadvantaged communities, homeless communities and refugees. They have also donated masks to care homes, community food delivery charities, food banks, and homes for veterans.
“We quickly realised through our initial efforts that the production of uniforms and scrubs creates waste fabric and off-cuts. We saw that we can use this fabric to create simple but effective masks” explained Lynn Mackie. “With Lynn’s strong reputation in the hospitality sector and my knowledge and contacts in NGOs and charities, we decided to see if we could create a social impact model which serves the needs of two communities at this difficult time.” Lindsay Paterson added.
Free Masketeers offers employers the chance to buy good looking, well-designed protective masks for their employees, keeping them safe whilst commuting and at work.
“We are calling initially on the hospitality industry and businesses that are now considering returning to the office, to support their own people whilst supporting others at the same time. Good protection is essential for everyone right now, and keeping the team and customers safe is a great reflection of a brand’s ethos.” continued Mackie.
“We are very proud to be able to offer a solution which meets the needs of both businesses and charities alike and hope that employers will get behind us”
