Airbnb launches local community support initiative

Airbnb has been a company at the forefront of COVID-19 assistance. It has now launched #GetBehindTheMask, an initiative to help support communities struggling from the impact of COVID-19 in South Africa.

In partnership with the Western Cape Government’s Maskathon and Afrika Tikkun, this initiative will kickstart with an Online Experience on how to create face masks, alongside a call to action from the host community to challenge others to make masks.

South Africans are all required to wear masks when they go out in public. Buying masks can be expensive, leaving some communities without adequate protection.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends cloth masks over disposable surgical masks for ultimate protection which can be very pricey to buy.

In addition, a relief fund will support tourism entrepreneurs who participated in the Airbnb Africa Academy and who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.

Long-time Airbnb host Tamryn will be doing an online mask making experience. Participants will learn how to cut, design and assemble masks with colourful patterns and Tamryn will donate two masks to communities in South Africa most in need for every person booking.

There will be several Experiences each week and Airbnb will offer coupons to the first 100 people who book so they can enjoy the Experience for free.

‘Cloth masks, when combined with the golden rules of hygiene and physical distancing can help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. We therefore welcome Airbnb’s Get Behind the Mask initiative to make more masks available to communities in the province, and their support of the Maskathon campaign,’ said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

Anyone who would like to #GetBehindTheMask can do so by making masks and challenging others to do the same, joining an Online Experience, or simply donating directly to Afrika Tikkun. All donations will assist in getting masks to communities who need them most. More information on the Airbnb Africa Academy Fund and #GetBehindTheMask, can be found here.

Read: Masks, gloves contributing to ocean pollution crisis.

Image credit: Airbnb 

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