Ruth Massicotte has made thousands of masks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – and she's still going.
Since March, 87-year-old Massicotte has sewn over 1,400 cloth masks.
“For me, it’s a hobby,” she said. “It really helps me, it’s for that I make masks.”
She distributed masks to the hospital, local churches, retirement homes, her friends and family.
Her masks vary in colours and patterns and, with a sewing machine, it takes about an hour to make one mask. Massicotte uses a lot of her own fabrics in addition to the materials donated by friends. The only materials she said she needs to buy sometimes is elastic and sewing thread.
Her son Luc Massicotte helps her with production. They limited the number of masks they make to a maximum of 15 per day and they work Monday to Friday, taking breaks on the weekends.
Before the pandemic, Massicotte was often volunteering with the community and her church. She also liked playing cards with her friends who would gather at her house every week, so it’s been hard for her to not be able to see her friends and family.
“For me, we need to help people. I can’t do volunteering now and I miss that a lot.”
The community has been very appreciative and people were happy to receive the masks, she said.
During the pandemic, her sister died in Québec but she couldn’t attend the funeral because of the travel restrictions. She was upset and it was hard for her, she said.
Before moving to Timmins 61 years ago, Massicotte worked as an elementary school teacher in Québec. She came to the city after she got married and focused on raising their four children.
One of her sons died in an accident a few years ago and three others live in Timmins and in Ottawa.
She also has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Three of her great-grandchildren were born during the pandemic: in April, May and June. One of them lives in Timmins and two others in Ottawa and New Brunswick.
Massicotte had a chance to see her great-grandchild in Timmins but she can’t wait to be able to hug the baby.
“But they (family) send me lots, lots of pictures,” she added.
To buy a mask, contact Massicotte at 705-264-4749.
