Being in self-isolation due the COVID-19 pandemic has given some Relief Society women from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints an opportunity to serve from home in creative and helpful ways.
Pat Simonsen, of the Perth Australia Southern River Stake (diocese), has been sewing face masks to give to family, friends and others.
She has made around 500 masks so far and is still going strong. The masks come in different sizes and patterns, some of which are bright and colourful, making them more appealing for children.
- Pat Simonsen has made over 500 face masks so far to distribute to family, friends and community members, Perth, Australia, April 2020.
- A small sample of the 500+ face masks made by Pat Simonsen of Perth, Australia, April 2020.
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Pat would like more people to benefit from her labour of love and plans on offering them to members of her community who are in need of them.
Others have supported her efforts by donating material, elastic and ribbon for her to utilise. The ward (congregation) Relief Society President is very appreciative of her efforts and is working with Pat to distribute them within the community. A message is included with the masks when they are delivered, inviting recipients to pay it forward by serving in thoughtful ways.
One member shared, “I was inspired by Pat’s generosity of materials and time, along with her desire for no one to pay for these masks. She just wants to help."
Pat’s selfless service is an example of using her personal talents and resources to follow the Church's First Presidency’s recent invitation for members to look for opportunities to help Heavenly Father’s children who are in need. See invitation here.
For those wishing to sew face masks, a pattern can be found at