Brandon Neighbourhood Renewals Creation Nation Makerspace producing face shields to protect front line workers

Brandon Neighbourhood Renewals Creation Nation Makerspace project is happy to provide support to essential workers during the Covid 19 pandemic. Using makerspace 3D printers, laser cutter, maker expertise and initial support from Summus Security and The Cooperators we have created lab-tested face shields.

The Creation Nation Makerspace project opened up about a year ago and provides the community with access to space and equipment for developing innovative ideas. The space is made up of over 6000 sq. feet of workspace in the heart of downtown Brandon and brings together craftspeople, artists, makers and innovators to create using various equipment. The space currently has 3D printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutters, sublimation printer, heat press, sewing machines, bike repair stations, cnc router and a full woodshop among other offerings. Temporarily closed due to Covid 19 on March 22^nd but seeing constant requests for personal protective equipment and having 3D printer solutions we could use to help solve the problem the space was opened up to a couple of members who experimented with some designs and equipment and came up with our current offering.

Face shields are assembled by volunteers and available to front line workers usually within a day or two.  To date, we have given shields to women’s shelters across the province, dental organizations, Brandon Covid 19 isolation site and pharmacies. One local pharmacist said “I was so surprised and grateful to find the face shields on my desk when I returned to work. What a wonderful project for you all to be working on in stressful times.”

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You can contribute to this project by sponsoring shields, donating the use of your 3D printer or simply spreading the word. We are asking for a $10 contribution for each shield but cost should not at all be a deterrent to getting this much needed equipment. We have community sponsorships to assist us in donating shields to people and organizations in need.

The shield design was created by 3D printer maker Prusa. Sourcing inputs for the design and making sure they met local health specifications was no small feat – a special thank you to Summus Security for doing the ground work for the project and being our first financial contributor. Startup and input cost support was also provided by our local Co-Operators insurance agent Drew Collins. Finally, we would like to thank Rob Shearer for his maker expertise and those who have sponsored face masks to date.

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