We made it to the end of 2020 – together! Thank you for making this difficult year a whole lot brighter. As we wrap up the most unpredictable year we’ve had we can’t help but feel grateful. This year we’ve had a front row seat to witness the most incredible generosity of this community. We wanted to share some of the highlights of our year with you.
PPE for Essential Workers
Beginning in March when we temporarily closed our shops due to COVID-19, the phone calls and emails began pouring in. While there was a shortage of PPE for frontline workers, we were able to provide hundreds of yards of fabric and mask making supplies to those who dropped everything for the immediate need of handmade PPE.
$1,500 to Oregon Food Bank
While our retail shops were closed your online purchases in April and May allowed us to donate $1,500 to Oregon Food Bank to offset the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on our city’s most vulnerable.
Black Lives Matter
In the wake of the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, we witnessed a major social shift in recognizing and combating the systemic racism within our country and city. Our team received Social Equity Training led by Lori Caldwell as the groundwork for awareness and a more equitable environment. These efforts will continue throughout the life of our business. Months later, we still see regular peaceful protestors marching down NE Alberta St or honking with pride along MLK and we support them immensely.
$6,545 to NE Portland BIPOC Families
This year we facilitated our most successful fundraiser raising $6,545 for BIPOC families in our neighborhood! The Take Heart Quilt fundraiser was a major community effort. Hundreds of donated blocks were made into four quilts (three raffled and one donated to SEI). All raffle ticket proceeds, plus our $2,000 match donation, went to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School’s Family Stabilization Fund, assisting families who have not received adequate government aid during COVID-19.
$2,105 to Wildfire Relief
When wildfires struck the west coast in September many Oregon families were displaced. Your online purchases and our $1,000 donation match raised $2,105 for the American Red Cross which helped provide housing and food to Oregon families.
With Your Help
Despite multiple closures, limited store hours, and temporary layoffs, your continued support of our small business has allowed us to navigate staff schedules, maintain health benefits throughout varying degrees of employment, and see every staff member return by mid-summer. Your generosity also gave us the opportunity to donate to local and national charities more than ever before. In addition to those mentioned above, other non-profits include Don’t Shoot PDX, NAACP, Color of Change, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU.
A Hopeful 2021
Time and time again we’ve watched this community use sewing and creativity for good. What an honor it is to play a part in making big changes to our world! This year has demonstrated our resilience and ability to work together when we need each other most. We approach this new year filled with hope and a new perspective. May your 2021 be surrounded by love, health, and creativity.
Cheers to 2021,
Michelle, Lupine & The MD Team