Help us keep Kingston's healthcare providers safe
Donation protected
Help us 3D print protective equipment for Kingston’s healthcare providers.
In the last few weeks, a lot has changed. Borders have closed, schools have gone online, and many businesses have drastically changed their practices to better protect our community from the threat posed by COVID-19.
Like healthcare workers in other regions, doctors, nurses and other essential healthcare providers in Kingston have been facing shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and face shields. This equipment is essential so that our medical professionals don’t contract COVID-19 themselves, and is also crucial for staff during routine activities, like procedures and surgeries.
A team of Queen’s University medical students, residents, staff and faculty members recognized this serious problem and came up with a simple, yet effective solution: 3D printing these supplies.
The Kingston community has risen to the occasion. Four days ago, we had only our Tech lead and two Queen’s Engineering students printing out of their homes. In just a few short days, however, we have been able to partner with SparQ Studios Makerspace, St. Lawrence College, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, various Queen’s Engineering Research Labs, and numerous Kingston residents and businesses. We now have over 60 3D printers running 24/7!
So far, we have been printing masks that can substitute surgical masks, as well as face shields. Our first prototypes have been tested and approved by Infection Prevention and Control at Kingston General Hospital. Local clinics and hospitals have already requested hundreds of items. There has also been a demand to design new PPE, which is currently in process.
To meet this demand, we will need to purchase 3D printer filament, mylar or equivalent plastic for the front of our shields, elastics, and products to sanitize PPE prior to use.
That is where you come in. We are asking you to donate what you can to support our efforts to keep the healthcare providers safe and able to support our community. We are also accepting donations of material, and we’re still looking for 3D printers. If you're not in a position to donate right now, please share this and spread the word!
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone who has already contributed, and everyone who is about to contribute. We have been humbled by the generosity and solidarity of the community so far. We can make through these hard times together, Kingston!
In the media:
- Kingston Local article
- Queen's Gazette article
- Global News article
- The Kingston Whig-Standard article
- onBoard MD article
Other ways you can help:
- If you have a 3D printer or know someone with one, contact [email redacted]
- If you are a business, and want to discuss a partnership or other forms of supporting this initiative, contact [email redacted]
- If you have other fundraising concerns or questions, contact [email redacted]
- If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist with assembly, contact [email redacted]
Some of the businesses and groups who have been especially helpful to us along the way include:
- YGK 3D
- Filaments.ca
- the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen's University
- VertiGrow
For more updates, check out our facebook event: HERE.
In the last few weeks, a lot has changed. Borders have closed, schools have gone online, and many businesses have drastically changed their practices to better protect our community from the threat posed by COVID-19.
Like healthcare workers in other regions, doctors, nurses and other essential healthcare providers in Kingston have been facing shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and face shields. This equipment is essential so that our medical professionals don’t contract COVID-19 themselves, and is also crucial for staff during routine activities, like procedures and surgeries.
A team of Queen’s University medical students, residents, staff and faculty members recognized this serious problem and came up with a simple, yet effective solution: 3D printing these supplies.
The Kingston community has risen to the occasion. Four days ago, we had only our Tech lead and two Queen’s Engineering students printing out of their homes. In just a few short days, however, we have been able to partner with SparQ Studios Makerspace, St. Lawrence College, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, various Queen’s Engineering Research Labs, and numerous Kingston residents and businesses. We now have over 60 3D printers running 24/7!
So far, we have been printing masks that can substitute surgical masks, as well as face shields. Our first prototypes have been tested and approved by Infection Prevention and Control at Kingston General Hospital. Local clinics and hospitals have already requested hundreds of items. There has also been a demand to design new PPE, which is currently in process.
To meet this demand, we will need to purchase 3D printer filament, mylar or equivalent plastic for the front of our shields, elastics, and products to sanitize PPE prior to use.
That is where you come in. We are asking you to donate what you can to support our efforts to keep the healthcare providers safe and able to support our community. We are also accepting donations of material, and we’re still looking for 3D printers. If you're not in a position to donate right now, please share this and spread the word!
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone who has already contributed, and everyone who is about to contribute. We have been humbled by the generosity and solidarity of the community so far. We can make through these hard times together, Kingston!
In the media:
- Kingston Local article
- Queen's Gazette article
- Global News article
- The Kingston Whig-Standard article
- onBoard MD article
Other ways you can help:
- If you have a 3D printer or know someone with one, contact [email redacted]
- If you are a business, and want to discuss a partnership or other forms of supporting this initiative, contact [email redacted]
- If you have other fundraising concerns or questions, contact [email redacted]
- If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist with assembly, contact [email redacted]
Some of the businesses and groups who have been especially helpful to us along the way include:
- YGK 3D
- Filaments.ca
- the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen's University
- VertiGrow
For more updates, check out our facebook event: HERE.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Gahtan
Organizer
Kingston, ON
Cesia Quintero
Beneficiary