Well, we're all being told to mask up – especially you, Victoria – but no one said we couldn't do it in style!
Entertainer Todd McKenney has used the COVID pandemic to sell masks made by talented local designers and putting the money back into the entertainment industry.
On TODDMASKS.COM, costume designers have been able to make and sell masks directly to the public, and within a couple of weeks, $20,000 has been raised through this initiative.
Todd is a passionate (and long-term) member of the stage and screen industry, as well as an advocate for public health. He's a keen supporter of The Grace Centre at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, seeing first-hand the impact of following advice when it comes to protecting yourself, and others in turn.
"Understanding both the evolving complexities of the health crisis from my view as a keen supporter of The Grace Centre, and the catastrophic impact on the income generation of my peers within the stage and screen industry, has driven me to create this online marketplace for Australia's costume designers to sell masks that are made to the current Australian health standards," Todd says.
"TODDMASKS.COM is a space where we can buy local and help exceptionally motivated and skilled artists to pivot their talents to suit the current market."
Todd says he's humbled by the positive response and can't wait to see the involved costume designers and wardrobe stitchers benefit from it.
"We simply cannot sit by as these talented people are forced to leave the industry due to a lack of work," he says. "Stage and screen will thrive again one day, and I am committed to helping my fellow artists anyway that I can. This is all for them, and is made with love and thanks for helping make me look great all these years!"
