Adam Fernor is a junior member of Strangford Lough Yacht Club and having not been able to sail his Laser dinghy during Lockdown, he joined a community of 8,000 volunteers, through 3D Crowd UK, who are using their 3D printers to make PPE equipment for a number of care homes, hospitals and surgeries.
Adam made 200 masks and has been busy fundraising and has raised enough money to buy another printer, which will double his output.
Sailor Myrea Jenkins has also been putting her skills to good use assisting the NHS. She joined a group of volunteers making scrubs for hospitals. Myrea’s latest batch of scrubs were sent to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.
Susan McKnight from the club commented: “It is fantastic to hear such stories emerging from our membership. Additionally, I am aware that there is a significant proportion of our membership who are key workers. I am humbled by the work that they are currently doing in order to keep us safe. Thank you.”
RYA Northern Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer Richard Honeyford said: “During volunteering week we remembered the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and how crucial they are in making our sport a success. While our sailors have been at home staying safe, they have been putting their skills to good use for the benefit of wider society. Examples like the volunteers at Strangford Lough Yacht Club show the value of volunteering and what we can achieve when we all work together. I would like to say thank you to you all.”
