Making masks since they became mandatory in Victoria, the grant meant Tatura Community House could purchase new materials and other resources to make them with and also give them away for free.
“Usually we sell the masks to make a bit of money back,” Tatura Community House manager Leeane Button said.
“We'll distribute the masks to op shops, and give away or accept donations for the rest from the community house.”
In line with the festive spirit, the masks will have Christmas patterning on one side and will be plain on the other, so they are reusable after the holiday period or for those folks looking for something simple.
Ms Button said a few masks would go in each of the reverse Advent calendar boxes the community house was organising — another Helping Hand Tatura project offering support to those who need it in the holiday period.
She said the whole initiative was born after COVID-19 restrictions forced the community house — which is all about people and activities — to find new approaches to help the town.
“It's allowed us to look where the community needs are and apply for grants to help that,” Ms Button said.
“It's brought back the neighbourly aspect of living in town and created opportunities for people to get to know other people, because everyone was in the same boat.”
