Menno Place is asking the community for donations of protective goggles, with a goal of reaching 500. The goggles must completely cover the eyes and sides. Menno Place Facebook photo.

B.C.’s largest senior care home, Menno Place in Abbotsford, is reaching out to the community for donations of personal protective equipment for their 700 staff members.

Menno Place houses 700 seniors in six buildings over 11.5 acres of property. On March 31, they began posting on their Facebook page asking for donations of protective goggles. They have a goal of acquiring 500 in total.

“Hey, Abbotsford… we are coming to you for help. Menno Place is preparing for the worst and praying for the best with COVID-19,” reads the Facebook post. “Goggles are on backorder everywhere, so we’re reaching out to our neighbours, our community.”

The goggles need to completely cover the eyes and the sides, similar to those used on construction sites. There is a bin outside the main entrance of Menno Hospital (32945 Marshall Rd.), which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Donors are encouraged to honk their horns after they drop off any supplies.

On the first day they had 140 goggles donated, 20 masks, three face shields, 16,300 exam gloves, 2,700 head caps, 300 shoe covers and 30 washable gowns. The equipment will be cleaned, counted and then put into use.

“There was a constant flow of people dropping off goggles all day – what an encouragement to hear that little beep of the horn when they drove away!” said a Facebook post from April 1. “We are humbled. We are grateful. We feel so incredibly supported.”

Any questions can be directed toward Sharon Simpson, the director of community enrichment at Menno Place: Sharon.simpson@mennoplace.ca.

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