FAIRHOPE – Fairhope received 10,000 masks from the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce for distribution to schoolchildren and others needing face coverings, city officials said.
In April, the nation of Taiwan announced that the country was donating 10 million masks to the United States, European countries and other nations, according to reports.
Mayor Karin Wilson said one local resident helped obtain some of those masks for Fairhope.
“I want to thank Fairhope resident Pei Lin Ishawood for helping fundraise for 10,000 disposable masks generously donated for the city of Fairhope,” Wilson said in a statement. “As a member of Gainesville, Ga, chapter of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America, she was instrumental in raising funds to donate supplies to multiple cities and groups.”
City officials will distribute the masks to Rotary Youth Club, Ecumenical Ministries, the Fairhope Police Department, members of the James P. Nix Center as well as to Fairhope East Elementary, Fairhope West Elementary, J. Larry Newton, Fairhope Middle School and Fairhope High School.
Wilson announced the donation during the July 27 City Council meeting.
Council President Jack Burrell also thanked those involved in the donation effort.
“If you’re listening, thank you very much. We will try to use them to the best of our ability,” Burrell said during the meeting carried on the city’s social media site.
Wilson said the masks will help police encourage residents and visitors to follow the state’s “Safer at Home” orders requiring people to wear face coverings when out in public.
“When they are out and about and see people congregating it’s not just saying ‘y’all need to social distance, but they can also provide masks,” Wilson said.
