Science professors pitch in for COVID-19 glove drive

Non-essential research activity at Ryerson University had ground to a halt. Professors and students scrambled as classes began moving online. But amid the stress of the new coronavirus reality, seeds of generosity were germinating within the Faculty of Science. 

Learning of real-time shortages in personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers, chemistry professor Daniel Foucher couldn’t sit by and watch. “As scientists, we’re doers,” he says. “Hunkering down while the situation played out didn’t seem enough.” 

Foucher knew nitrile gloves were lying idle in his shared lab with Rob Gossage and Chemistry and Biology Department Chair, Andrew McWilliams. Together, the trio made a plan to donate what they had to wherever it was needed most. Over a single weekend, labs across the department had joined the effort and offered up their gear. The destination: COVID-19 assessment centres at St. Michael’s Hospital, Women’s College Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital.

Weekend stockpiling, 6,000 gloves grow to 69,000
Action began unfolding on Friday, March 20. Gossage headed to his lab, and recruited technologist Rob Denning along the way. The two began the survey: 6,000 gloves on hand. 

Knowing there had to be more on site, McWilliams began making personal appeals to colleagues. Denning called on biology technical specialist, Miriam de Jong, who maintains the department’s supply. She needed no time to contemplate: “I was expecting a new shipment and told them to just take it all. If it’s going to protect frontline workers, let’s go for it.”

By the weekend, emails were circulating back and forth. One professor after another began contributing. “There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. Everyone just jumped into action, saying ‘Here are my gloves, take them all’,” says McWilliams. “I’m very proud to work with such a great crew.”

SciXchange, the Faculty’s centre for science outreach, added safety goggles. Others volunteered bleach, gowns, syringes – whatever might help. By Monday morning, Gossage and Denning headed to the Ryerson MaRS Research Facility in the MaRS Discovery District to collect the stock there. 

The total had quickly ballooned. Ryerson Shipping & Receiving supervisor, Howard Allen, stepped in with logistics: “We needed a collaborative effort. Two of the newest members on my team immediately put up their hands to go,” he says. “To see that kind of willingness, it makes me proud to be associated with the Ryerson team.” 

By Tuesday, 50, 000 gloves, 2,000 masks, 18 bags of lab gowns and 100 goggles had reached St. Michael’s and Women’s College Hospitals. Within days, the department received an additional shipment of 19,000 gloves, all earmarked for Sunnybrook Hospital.

Greg Chow, Vice President Finance, Partnerships and CFO at Women’s College Hospital remarked on the initiative: "It's a wonderful act of generosity and compassion… and will be put to good use by the frontline staff in our COVID-19 assessment centre."

“A way to be with the community – despite social distancing”

The flurried activity is now finished. The gloves are, literally, in the hands of those who need it most. Those who pitched in for the drive are relieved, happy, proud – and reflective.  

“A lot of us feel helpless in battling the virus,” says Denning. “So, when the call went out, everyone was extremely appreciative for any chance to help out.”

Commenting on the size of the donation, McWilliams adds: “We’re privileged at Ryerson to have a lot of flexibility. Frontline workers don’t have that option to stay at home safe. Our gift is a sacrifice of material resources, yes, but in the grand scheme, it doesn't really compare to the lives it could help now.”

Foucher concludes: “When lights in the lab come back on, we’ll catch up. But for now, this is something useful we could all rally behind – a small act of kindness in a stressful time. Let’s make it special.”