BMO’s Danielle Magvas makes masks for her community
Over the past several weeks, BMO employees across the bank have been providing incredible support for our customers, communities and fellow employees who have been affected by COVID-19 – as well as all those on the frontlines working hard to keep us safe.
During this time of uncertainty, our employees have gone above and beyond to continue to Grow the Good. Here’s one of their stories.
Danielle Magvas is an Executive Administrative Assistant to three of BMO’s Anti-Money Laundering leaders. And outside of work, she is a mask-maker extraordinaire.
Over the past month, Danielle has been working hard to sew and donate masks for children and adults as an added layer of protection from COVID-19. Made from donated thread and fabric, Danielle has sewn 429 masks so far… and she’s still going!
We asked Danielle about the help she’s offering in her community, and here’s what she had to say:
“I have always been someone who loves to help out wherever I can. I am a volunteer crisis responder for Kids Help Phone. I donate blood every three months, which I have also done for years. Recently, I saw a post on Facebook that someone was making masks. I have a sewing machine and thought to myself, ‘How hard can it be?’ So I watched a YouTube video, and started sewing. You can learn to do anything on YouTube.
“While I am working from the safety of my own home, I will do whatever I can to help others stay safe. This experience has made me realize that help is always needed. There are people out there that need us, who need help, who need not to be judged. You never know what someone else is going through. Ask questions, reach out, offer help when you can and never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Also, be kind always, no matter what!”
Do you want to try your hand at sewing masks for your community? Check out the pattern Danielle uses. Or simply do a web search for a pattern that speaks to you.
Stay up-to-date on BMO’s response to the crisis by visiting our COVID-19 customer portal.
