OTTAWA – The city has launched a formal donation process for businesses and residents to donate commercial-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect emergency responders and front-line workers supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response.

“This formal donation process has been established in response to the many residents and businesses who have contacted the city through many channels with donation offerings,” city staff released in a statement today (March 30).

 The PPE supplies must be commercial-grade and in its original packaging. These items include, but are not limited to:

• N95 masks (1870+ or 1805)
• Surgical masks
• Procedural masks
• Face shields
• Gloves
• Protective gowns
• Protective goggles and glasses
• Hand sanitizers
• Disinfectant wipes

Homemade personal protective equipment will not be accepted.

“To donate, we ask interested businesses and residents to email donations@ottawa.ca and provide information on the items and quantities,” staff said. “The city will review donations offered and arrange with you for a drop-off or pick-up of the items.”

The city is also in constant communication with The Ottawa Hospital, which is collecting, processing and storing all donated medical equipment, to help supply the many front-line healthcare staff across the Eastern Ontario region who are responding to the pandemic. You can contact The Ottawa Hospital at COVIDdonations@toh.ca.

How you can help other community agencies and charities

Many community agencies, non-profit organizations and charities are also working to help our community through this COVID-19 pandemic, especially our community’s vulnerable people in need of support. You can contact the agencies with donation of items and monetary contributions.

For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa, visit ottawa.ca/covid19 or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-9656).