Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law’s accessory business raises funds for the frontlines
Danille Mandap sharing a laugh with her daughters Jordan and Lennon (photo credit: @jamiemaephotography)
“Made strong like a mom…” The beginning of LoosethreadsCo’s tagline rings true for the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law team who founded the handmade accessory company a year-and-a-half ago.
Gwen Gooda, a recently retired clerical technician from Russell-Binscarth, Manitoba, and Winnipeg-born-and-raised Danille Mandap, a full-time hair stylist and mom to eight-year-old Jordan and five-year-old Lennon, both raised children alone. These two moms are not strangers to strenuous work and are eager to give back to those working hard to ensure the safety of Manitobans during the pandemic by donating a portion of their product’s proceeds to the HSC Foundation COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund.
“I have many loved ones working on the frontlines right now, as well, many of my customers are health care professionals risking their lives daily,” says Mandap. “Giving a portion of the proceeds from LoosethreadsCo’s laundry bags is a way for Gwen and I to show our support during this difficult time.”
Gooda, a hobby seamstress who masterfully creates anything from clothes for her granddaughters’ dolls to beautiful quilts, was inspired to create laundry bags for frontline health care workers after seeing nurses carting their clothes around in garbage bags after their shifts. LoosethreadsCo’s laundry bags are available for purchase by anyone, they come in eight different patterns of 100% cotton, can be thrown into the washing machine with work scrubs, and are providing HSC Foundation’s COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund $15 with every purchase.
“So far, we have seen a great response! We sold out of two colours the first day we launched, then two more colours the second day,” says Mandap. “As long as there is a demand, LoosethreadsCo will sew them and continue to donate. To date, we have sold 20 bags and I have 10 more ready to go online,” adds Gooda.
Thankfully, Jordan and Lennon help with the business. “The girls love to help with packing the orders—especially decorating the packaging. Expect to see their artwork if you place an order,” says Mandap.
With physical distancing in effect, Mandap and Gooda are faced with overcoming obstacles of operating a business while living 335 kilometres apart. However, a main challenge for the family during this time is that Jordan and Lennon have not been able to visit with their grandma for 10 weeks. Thankfully, the girls stay connected with their grandma by reading stories to her over FaceTime.
“Gwen is such a kind and generous woman; she is very humble and is always there to lend a hand. I am thankful for the relationship we have, and we are happy to give back to the community,” says Mandap.
Make a difference in your community. Please click here to purchase a laundry bag in support of the HSC Foundation.
By Natasha Havrilenko
