Dear Nordic skiing community,
The respirators that many of us own to keep us safe while waxing skis, like the one in the attached photo, are now of great use to our healthcare industry, which is in desperate need of personal protective equipment (PPE). Just as these respirators keep us safe while waxing skis, they can now help keep our frontline healthcare workers healthy as they battle COVID-19.
I have been in contact with two PPE coordinators at two Boston hospitals. They are both accepting used respirators similar to the one in the below photo. I expect that many other hospitals are accepting other models of air-purifying, half-face respirators as well. I encourage you to reach out to your local hospital to gauge their interest and need.
If you have a respirator and are willing to donate it, see this spreadsheet. It details instructions for donating to two Boston hospitals, as well as instructions on how to find other hospitals, across the nation, that would be happy to accept your respirator. (See the “How to Donate” tab at the bottom of the Google Sheet. This spells out the basic how-tos.)
Additionally, please mark your donation down on the spreadsheet so that we can track the Nordic ski community’s contribution to this crisis.
Let’s spread the news and amass as many donations as possible, as quickly as possible! Please share with your teammates, coaches, clubs, Nordic centers, and anyone else who you think could be of help.
I recently relocated to St. George, Utah, where I’m working as a community health worker. I’m enjoying the beautiful outdoors out here, but I am missing New England’s colder winters! I hope all are staying active, healthy, and sane through this crazy time.
Best,
Jacob Meyerson
Harvard Skiing Alumnus
Cambridge Sports Union Alumnus
Concord-Carlisle High School Ski Team Alumnus
Above: the image of a respirator that I sent to 2 Boston Hospitals. They will accept similar respirators as well.
New England Nordic Ski Association
The Home of Cross Country Skiing in New England
