SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. —
While most Islanders are staying home to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19 strain), some still have to work.
Christine Zareck, the owner of Material Girl in Charlottetown, has a solution for these frontline workers. She makes a transparent vinyl fabric that can be used as a sneeze guard to protect against droplet transmission.
The idea originated with a recent trip to the drug store.
“I live in a mother-in-law suite, and the lady that owns the house, my neighbour, asked me to get her a thermometer from the pharmacy because she wasn’t feeling well. I went to our local pharmacy and saw the painter-style plastic hanging as a shield of protection,” Zareck said.
“When I returned home, I started thinking about how these workers should have something more sturdy, permanent and protective.”
Zareck remembered the 40-mil lucid vinyl fabric she keeps in store for patio winter enclosures and marine boat applications.
“It takes a lot to hurt this material, which is easy to install, flexible, and it can be sanitized and cleaned with disinfectant sprays.”
The pharmacy accepted the installation of her product, which included a white border, attachments, and a pass-through window, to safeguard their employees.
“I already have some of this fabric in my shop, and it only takes a week to get more from my supplier. But if a customer needs this vinyl desperately, I can get it shipped at an earlier date. My vendors, the warehouses, are still open," she said.
In March 2018, Zareck started her custom sewing business that specializes in repairing sailboat sails, boat covers and patio enclosures.
“Since opening, we have been very successful. I just had the Home Show and the best response. I was so excited by the positive feedback. But then a week later, this coronavirus happened, and all that work from the Home Show just shutdown. My business virtually stopped.”
In the current climate, Zareck has evolved to stay open while social distancing behind closed doors.
"We are certainly open to making outdoor cushions et cetera. Our storefront has closed, but this does not mean we have stopped working,” Zareck said.
For more information visit the Material Girl P.E.I. Facebook page.
