A Filipina mother based in Dubai has been creating and giving out ear savers or face mask holders at various hospitals in Dubai, providing frontliners comfort from wearing face masks for 12 hours straight or more.
Ronalin L. Adolfo, 39, said she found an opportunity to help health workers in an innovative way after talking to friends, who are some of the nurses on call for patients of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). They told her that wearing a face mask for a very long time hurts her ears.
“Sinasabi nila na masakit sa tenga ang pagsuot ng mask ng 12 hours, naisip ko na gawan ito ng paraan. Nag-research ko at doon ko nakita ang crocheted ear savers,” she said.
Ear savers, she said, are used to hold the mask garters instead of putting them on the ears. “It gives comfort to the wearer and helps prevent blisters and pain caused by prolonged usage of facemasks,” Adolfo added.
In mid-April, when the number of COVID-19 patients in the UAE started to rise, Alfonso said she and her 18-year-old daughter began—using her own money and funds—creating ear savers, giving them out to her health worker friends, then to several hospitals in Dubai.
She noted that her initiative has also reached financial literacy Facebook group Dirham Stretchers—with some of the members donating buttons and yarns, and others helping her crochet.
The Filipina also said that she tries her best to stay committed to this initiative because she realized how important it is to let people know that someone cares, and that they are not alone.
Adolfo added that her project proves that there are a lot of ways to help, and that they do not always involve money.
“We can utilize our talent and skills. Marami pang pwedeng gawin to help our frontliners be comfortable while serving others. Mas marami tayong maiisip na paraan kung mas marami ang mag-contribute ng ideas at possible solutions,” she said.
The Filipina also commended the frontliners for their dedication and sacrifice to save the lives of so many people infected with the disease.
“Buong tapang nilang hinaharap ang panganib ng COVID-19 at patuloy na lumalaban at tumutulong. They serve not only with dedication and bravery but with love and strong faith,” Adolfo said.
