CATCHING UP
Pandemic Inspired CatRock Students to Become Social Entrepreneurs
The year 2020 is not one many will soon forget. A global pandemic stopped life around the globe. In one corner of the Bronx, CatRock students grew tired of seeing disposable PPE littering the streets and parks of their Bronx neighborhoods. They decided to create reusable masks as an environmentally friendly way to promote healthy communities and a clean environment.
Making masks was a natural extension of the work the students had done repairing and upcycling used Patagonia clothing and camping gear in the CatRock Adventure Makerspace and Design Lab. The students came together to solve an environmental and community problem, and, in the process, acquired valuable skills that will last a lifetime. Working with Pamela Cooper, the CatRock Maker-in-Residence, the students learned how to design, sew, and assemble masks. They also learned how to source all the necessary materials and which fabrics were best masks. As Christopher L. explains, “I know everything about mask making, from cutting fabrics and elastics, to sewing the masks themselves.”
The value of working as a team was highlighted throughout the project. “I have learned teamwork and to communicate more to help others do their jobs,” continues Christopher. “The mask project has helped me get more involved in helping others.”
“I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to. Before, I didn’t know how to sew, but I now know the entire mask making process. Doing that as a group has been the best experience.”
Teamwork was crucial in making decisions about distribution. “We got together and spoke about how we were going to set the price and ship the masks,” reports Tayyib R.
The endeavor has been immensely rewarding for everyone involved. On Saturday, November 7, the team set up an outdoor mask-making demonstration at the Soho Patagonia store. They sewed masks and answered questions. Customers purchased masks and proceeds went to support CatRock’s Double Your Impact fall fundraising campaign.
“We received many donations. One guy donated $200 when he bought a mask,” recalls Christopher. “It was the best feeling, like we’re doing the right thing, helping the community, and helping keep everyone safe.”
For Tayyib, learning mask making was extremely gratifying. “I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to. Before, I didn’t know how to sew, but I now know the entire mask making process. Doing that as a group has been the best experience.”
Learning business fundamentals was also important for Tayyib. “It was like being in a little corporation, learning how to start the process and the amount of time and effort that goes into it.”
Indeed, the mask project has fueled the team members’ entrepreneurial dreams. Tayyib likes to draw and is considering creating a line of custom shirts. Christopher is thinking about a sports fashion line of his own.
Meanwhile, mask making has expanded into other products like t-shirts and water bottles that aim to address social and environmental issues. CatRock has launched the new Adventure Store on the CatRock website where masks are – and additional merchandise will soon be – for sale. 100% of proceeds support CatRock’s programming.
The mask making project showcases the CatRock mission which aims to empower and inspire students to become socially responsible change makers. And now, hundreds of CatRock masks are protecting people while helping reduce littering in parks and streets. “When you give a mask, you help that person, their family, friends, the people around them, and the whole community,” reports Christopher. And it takes an entire community to protect the environment.