The current COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it despair and uncertainty; however, in true Sai tradition the Ladies Wing decided to undertake a significant service project. Although a lot of activities had come to a halt and there was no opportunity to meet and discuss, the Ladies Wing was able to complete this service of stitching face masks for the East Toronto community by coordinating with skilled ladies and other devotees via phone and email. It was a stupendous task as most fabric stores were either closed due to the pandemic or if open had limited stock of material. These initial hiccups were soon overcome by perseverance and co-operation between the ladies. Those who had more cloth on hand deftly cut the cloth into the recommended sizes and delivered it to those who had the knowledge and ability to sew. Social distancing was strictly maintained when deliveries were made. Working together, the ladies were able to sew 222 masks in a short period of time. In keeping with the guidelines of the Canadian Health Agency, all masks were made in a safe environment where cross-contamination possibilities were eliminated. Before the task was begun, an introductory email provided instructions with clear step-by step videos on how to make the various sizes of masks.

Working together in this crisis provided an opportunity to stay focused on one common goal, albeit virtually, to support the medical frontline workers. All progress of the creation and completion of masks was recorded on a spreadsheet and accompanied with pictures of the different stages of the work.

This project was completed in collaboration with the Michael Garron Hospital’s #MGH1000Mask Project where their goal is to have 1000 masks made per month. The masks were made for all approved visitors, discharged patients and the broader community to prevent disease transmission. The Ladies Wing took it upon themselves to contribute in a commendable fashion.

The Ladies wing has offered this sadhana to Swami as part of the 2020 Aradhana Day Sadhana. The goal was to make 95 masks, but the ladies with their hard-work and devotion to Swami exceeded this goal by making a total of 222 masks. By two weeks the masks were delivered to the hospital by the Ladies Wing co-ordinator.

With Swami’s guidance we will continue to serve Him with Love and Devotion.