The Chinese Government has donated hundreds of facemasks to help protect staff, volunteers and clients at a lifeline Perth charity.
The protective gear will help PKAVS maintain safety as it prepares to reinstate its face-to-face services as lockdown eases.
The charity – Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Services – provides crucial support for vulnerable families and carers throughout the region.
During lockdown, it has been running adapted services from its carers’ hub in Lewis Place. The work includes trying to source and secure PPE for unpaid carers.
The donation of 2,000 facemasks was secured by the Perth Chinese Association. It is a gift from the country’s government as part of a close working relationship between the association, the Consul General Ma Qiang and Perth and Kinross Council.
Boxes marked with the slogan “We will get through together” were delivered to PKAVS by association chairman Andy Chan.
PKAVS chief executive Paul Graham said: “We have worked closely with the Perth Chinese Association for many years in organising Chinese New Year and many other events to celebrate Chinese culture and the wonderful contribution the Perth Chinese community makes to the social and economic vibrancy of the area.
“We are extremely grateful to the Perth Chinese Association for their kind donation of this PPE. It will be invaluable as we gradually re-introduce face-to-face services.”
He stressed PKAVS would only re-open such services when Government guidance allows, and when a safe environment for staff and clients can be guaranteed.
Mr Chan said: “I am delighted to be able to help support PKAVS services during this difficult time.
“It is at times of crisis that we value and support our friends the most. We have a long established friendship between our association and PKAVS, and are happy to help them deliver their services in a safe way.”
All face-to-face services were suspended in March, but the charity has continued to support clients either online or on the phone.
PKAVS was left picking up the pieces after its Lewis Place carers’ hub was attacked by vandals last month.
The charity has thanked everyone in the North Muirton community for their support, including local tradespeople who carried out repairs.
A spokeswoman said: “PKAVS are incredibly grateful for all the kind messages of support and have been humbled by the amount of local people saying how much they appreciate their efforts during the Covid-19 emergency.”
