Back in March of this year, Dr. Joyce Woods watched the COVID-19 pandemic unfold by watching the news in the confines of her home in Calgary, where Dr. Woods has resided since 1988.

Having enjoyed a 46-year career as a Registered Nurse and currently a professor of nursing, Dr. Woods’ first instinct was to take action in her community to ensure her fellow Calgarians were being safe, while following the physical distancing protocol in place.

“What I really wanted to do, was put my scrubs back on and participate in frontline duty.  Unfortunately, due to my age and a heart condition, I was not able to do that,” says Dr. Woods. “Instead, I got out the sewing machine, and started making face masks, with the intention of providing them to people who need them most.”

Since April 1st, Dr. Woods’ crusade has been a successful one, with over 4,000 masks delivered to-date. Deliveries have been to more than 25 community agencies, such as Ronald McDonald House, Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Center, numerous women’s and children’s shelters, agencies providing services to the homeless, senior’s residences and community centres, Emergency Departments in hospitals, several essential service workers, and many families in the community.

“Not everyone has the budget or means to get a face mask, but wearing one right now is absolutely important, to protect oneself and others. I wanted to help as many people as I possibly could, and in this process I’ve come across many community agencies I wasn’t familiar with before,” says Dr. Woods.

Dr. Woods has invested over $2,500 of her own money and spent countless hours sewing protective face masks, using material procured from Sewing Sensations, her local fabric store, sometimes waiting outside for up to two hours to enter the store. Dr. Woods’ grandchildren have also contributed to their grandmother’s project, and made over 400 nose pieces.

Dr. Woods washes and irons each mask before putting them in a sanitary bag, and delivers them herself to those in need. During delivery, the seasoned medical professional in Dr. Woods is present in full force, as she goes through the proper way to handle, put on and remove and care for face masks with the recipients of her masks.

“It’s important to only handle face masks by the ear pieces and develop the habit of never touching your mask on the outside or inside.  Washing your hands before and after handling your mask is also vital,” says Dr. Woods.As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, Dr. Woods urges everyone to wear a mask every time they leave the house, and to do what they can for those in need in these trying times.

When asked about what motivates Dr. Woods to continue this important work, the answer comes easily, “Making a difference. It’s also the mantra of Mount Royal University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery where I work, and it’s something in my power to do! The whole process has been very rewarding and has provided me with the opportunity to lead by example.”