April 8, 2020
Santo Domingo, N.D. The United States Embassy in collaboration with Fashion for Inclusion Foundation (FUNMODAIN, Spanish acronym) and the Dominican Association of Fashion Designers launched the DR Fashion SOS project in order to respond to the need for basic supplies required at this time in Dominican hospitals.
The United States Embassy will donate to the National Health Service (NHS) medical gowns, pajamas, surgical boots, caps and sheets to supply several hospitals in the country. More than 12,000 pieces will be made by former Dominican fashion design scholars, recipients of academic, professional and exchange programs of the U.S. Government, in partnership with the Dominican fashion industry.
The executive director of the National Health Service, Chanel Rosa Chupany, thanked the U.S. Embassy and the Fashion Foundation for the contribution that includes pajamas, sheets, boots and surgical caps.
Rosa Chupany stressed the importance of the donation “at such a critical time for the health sector, not only in the Dominican Republic, but worldwide. “These supplies will facilitate doctors and nurse’s performance, as well as users affected by COVID-19, admitted to hospitals in our Network”, he said referring to the Unique Public Health Network.
The project involves fashion design students, tailors, dressmakers and workers who will work from home. This initiative supports social entrepreneurship while respecting the Dominican Government’s measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
United States Ambassador Robin S. Bernstein said: “We are pleased to be able to support the Dominican Government as it addresses this mortal and invisible enemy that affects our global security. We must all work together to overcome this challenge. We count on the talent and innovation of the Dominican fashion community. Estamos Unidos.”
In addition, the president of Fashion for Inclusion Foundation, designer Melkis Díaz, highlighted the importance of the DR Fashion SOS project and encouraged the sector’s workforce to join in. “The shortage of medical garments has put at risk the lives of many health workers in the country, with our talent we can contribute to the fight against this disease that is severely affecting”.
Similarly, events producer Socrates McKinney was pleased that this assistance can be channeled through fashion and took the opportunity to thank Ambassador Bernstein: ” This is a strong indication of the good will of the American people in these times of global crisis”.
Both the Fashion for Inclusion Foundation and the Dominican Association of Fashion Designers are non-profit entities, which aim to promote learning and participation in the fashion field of people in vulnerable circumstances.
For more information on the project, those interested in taking part can contact the Fashion Designers Association by e-mailing: info@disenadoresdominicanos.org, asodedido@gmail.com or via WhatsApp: (809) 965-7002.
