Personal protective equipment (PPE) is still very much needed by many businesses in the region and one Barrie-based office supply company is meeting the demand at no charge.
Simcoe Office Products & Design, which has been in business for 30 years and is located in the city's south end on Mills Road, is giving away free PPE to businesses that need it.
Simcoe Office vice-president of marketing/owner Kim Bryant said despite the struggles they have faced during the pandemic, they feel blessed compared to some others.
“We’ve been in this community for a very long time and even through this crazy last year, we have been able to keep our business going,” Bryant told BarrieToday. “There are other companies that have struggled a lot more than us and we just want to help in any way we can.”
The company's PPE packages include masks, hand sanitizer, wipes and other items, with a value up to $200, she said.
While some businesses need products to make working with customers safer, some of the calls have come from organizations that are lending a hand in the community, Bryant added.
The Lighthouse in Orillia helps people who are experiencing homelessness and poverty get back on their feet, and it’s one of the places getting help from Simcoe Office Products & Design.
“We’re sending a package to The Lighthouse, which is an honour for us with all they do for this community,” said Bryant. “We also just got a call from Hillcrest Lodge (seniors housing) and they need some PPE help. We’re heading there (today).”
Bryant said the company has had PPE items for a long time, but only recently focused on getting them out into the community where there was need.
“We have had PPE forever, but obviously with COVID-19 we have had a higher demand for it,” she said.
Businesses can request a PPE package from Simcoe Office Products & Design to make arrangements by contacting Kim Bryant at 705-721-1988.
