Just when we all thought the future was looking bleak and gloomy, it's always a marvel to witness individuals who can organise themselves into a collective effort to help with the high demand of face masks AKA the latest national fashion accessory. Everywhere you go you see everyone wearing them, not because it is a fashionable thing to do but it has also become regulation to wear a face mask and it is also a way to protect yourself from the virus. As a good corporate citizen ProBlast BS took the initiative to be part of the solution to help stop the spread of the virus.

The Vulamehlo Skills Project, is a project comprising of a group of women who are dedicated to training physically and mentally challenged individuals to do the sewing work. The project has had a positive impact in the lives of those individuals, as it equips them with a life skill that will enable them to make a living for themselves and provide for their families. The first Project Problast supported is the Vulamehlo Project based in Mkhambi Village.The second project is the Kholiwe Sewing Project which is also a women-based organisation manufacturing uniforms for schools as well as face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kholiwe Sewing Project is based in the township of Zithobeni in Bronkhorstspruit.

ProBlast BS has taken an initiative to provide face masks for their employees and families. Employees were each given 4 face masks as an addition to their already existing PPE work gear to reinforce health and safety standards during these tough times. As a good corporate citizen, ProBlast BS has partnered with two community-based projects to manufacture face masks for them. ProBlast BS saw this as a befitting opportunity to plough back into communities. Coronavirus has managed to cripple the global economy, affecting both big and small businesses. Small businesses have been hit the hardest, hence it has become more paramount than ever before for government and the private sector to come together as one to help communities and small businesses through these economically challenging times.

These two projects are based in communities that are characterised by high levels of unemployment, thus as a responsible corporate citizen and as part of their CSI (Social Corporate Investment) ProBlast BS wanted to play a key role in uplifting and contributing positively in community-based project which are proactive with self-empowerment. The Kholiwe Sewing Project was founded by a local lady Kholiwe Mtshweni who identified a need for the skills development in the area. The ladies at Kholiwe Sewing Project are eternally grateful for the opportunity that ProBlast BS has granted them.

"Nangomso ProBlast!" was the phrase used to express their gratitude to ProbBlast BS for the support. Simply put even "tomorrow" ProBlast BS must not stop with them, but continue to contribute to the growth and development of other projects or SMMEs. We at ProBlast BS wish both projects longevity and success beyond the pandemic. Let's remain committed to help flatten the curve by wearing our face marks the minute we step outside of our homes.