Fashion Designer, Lyndon “Balla” Johnson and the Management of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), yesterday distributed 100 handmade face masks to the cancer patients at the Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Departments.
Mr. Johnson said that the initiative is a collaborative effort with his friend, Faith McFarlane who lives in Boston to donate the masks to the hospital.
“I bought the materials, sourced the elastics abroad, have them shipped and made the masks in two weeks” said Mr. Johnson.
“I am pleased to be giving back to the people of Jamaica, especially the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. I want to encourage my fellow country mates to wear the masks in public spaces for your own safety. My masks are unique because they have an inside layer. The cloth masks will not 100% protect you from the virus, however, it offers some level of protection,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Natalie Whylie, Senior Medical Officer, KPH, expressed sincere gratitude to Balla on behalf of the patients who are at most risks to the virus for his generosity. “Thank you for considering the institution, you could have given them to someone else” she said.
Dr.Whylie, further emphasised the importance of wearing masks in public space and observing the protocols outlined by the Government of Jamaica. She was speaking during a brief distribution exercise of the masks to the staff.
Dr. Garth McDonald, Senior Medical Officer, VJH, who was also present at the distribution exercise said that the donation made by the designer has a positive look on the Entertainment Industry.
Mr. Johnson has over thirty years of experience in the Fashion Industry. He is also known for making Capleton’s outfits and for designing outfits on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.
