Pat Lavigne Jr. says this is usually the busiest time of year for his family-run North Bay business.
"Usually during this time of year is when our busy season is, as everyone is starting to get their boats out and service on their canvas done," said Lavigne Jr.
But Lavigne Jr. said, due to the COVID-19 crisis, their business was almost at a standstill.
The president of Lavigne's Canvas in North Bay decided they needed to adapt.
So instead of its traditional boat top-making and upholstery work, Lavigne's Canvas has starting manufacturing and supplying personal protective equipment (PPE).
"We are manufacturing face masks, face shields, and protective service counter curtains," said Lavigne Jr.
"We network with a number of upholsterers across North America and a lot of us are trying to help out the communities due to the shortage of the PPE equipment, so I found a few designs and developed our own designs for the masks.
"We are using a non-woven fabric that is water-resistant, so it is resistant against droplets, so it won't soak up the moisture; it repels it."
Lavigne Jr. says the face shields are being made using the same vinyl material used to make their boat tops.
The local company is selling the products to citizens and area businesses. They already have a shipment of products set to go to Elliot Lake.
"We are a family business," said Lavigne Jr. "We are honest business people and we want to help our community."
He noted that they have also been in touch with the North Bay Regional Health Centre, as the local Hospital Foundation has made a plea to local businesses to help them with their supply of PPE.
Anyone interested in their products is asked to contact Pat Lavigne Jr. at pat@lavignescanvas.ca.
This story originally appeared on BayToday.ca.
