23 August 2021
The best face masks ever
We launched our face masks back in July 2020, to play our part in protecting vulnerable communities. Like all Cotton On Foundation products, 100% of proceeds go towards projects that empower youth to thrive. So you can feel great about wearing a mask that’s making an even bigger difference.
Thanks to you, our face masks have raised $22M AUD globally—and counting!
The life changing impact
We work alongside and support communities across Uganda, South Africa, Thailand and Australia. Communities whose everyday challenges like access to clean water, food and essential medical services are even more amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As schools reopen across the regions we work in, we’re taking every step to keep students and the wider community safe and healthy. Your amazing support means we’ve been able to respond rapidly and work with local partners to keep making the biggest possible difference.
Education
- 34,560 home learning packs distributed globally
- 11,400 copies of newspapers for students in Uganda to support home learning
- 18,200 Social & Emotional Learning toolkits for students and 750 for teachers in South Africa
- 439 teachers supported with teacher training (in-person or via SMS)
- Started construction at Busibo and Namabaale Primary Schools in Uganda
- 4 schools completed construction in 2021 for 1650 students
- 356 student scholarships granted in Uganda and Thailand
- 146 students completed Retail Academy in South Africa
- 14,678 students and 453 teachers at 24 COF supported schools across Uganda, Thailand & South Africa
- 15 C-BATE (Community-Based Aboriginal Teacher Education) students are continuing in their studies in 2022, including several enrolled in Tertiary Pathways
Wellbeing & healthcare
- 54,363 food and seed packs distributed in Uganda and South Africa
- 65,450 hot meals distributed for students in Thailand
- 15,583 home visits to support with home-based learning, child wellbeing and WASH education
- 147,506 pieces of PPE distributed globally to health centres, schools and district task-forces
- 66,909 health centre visits in Uganda (Since June 2020)
- 5,995 sanitary pad kits distributed to girls globally, so they don’t miss school because of their periods
- 3 new water tanks installed in Uganda, delivering over 4.68 million litres of drinking water per year
We’ll be sharing more soon, so watch this space!
The technical stuff
We worked hard to get our masks right, so that they’re breathable and comfortable enough to wear all day. They have a soft wire to help them sit in place over the nose and adjustable elastic ear straps. They’re made up of three layers; the outer two are made from cotton and the inner layer is PTFE (Teflon), which is the filter membrane. They’re tested to a KN90 standard and filter at least 90% of airborne particles down to pm2.5. Our masks are not intended for clinical use, but will help to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
The care factor
Our face masks are reusable and made to last up to 50 washes. Here’s how to care for them to keep them at their best.
- Wash in warm water and detergent before the first wear and after each use
- Air-dry in direct sunlight if possible
- Store in a clean bag between uses so they don’t pick up dirt or dust
“These are the most breathable and comfortable masks, and I say this as an asthmatic.”
— Kim, Canberra, Australia
“Great quality and so much better than the disposable ones. Love how proceeds go to the Foundation :)”
— Lexi, Auckland, New Zealand
“Great fit. Easy care when washing. Stays in shape. Total value for money.”
— Jarrod, Victoria, Australia
You're doing so good
You’re changing lives with every Cotton On Foundation purchase. 100% of proceeds go towards empowering youth through quality education, wellbeing programs and access to essential healthcare.
FAQ
Do they protect against COVID-19?
Our reusable face masks are tested to a KN90 standard and filter at least 90% of airborne particles down to pm2.5. The masks have three layers; the outer two are made from cotton and the inner layer is PTFE (Teflon), which is the filter membrane. They filter particles like those resulting from wildfires, general pathogens and air pollution. They are not intended for clinical use, but will help to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Can you wash and reuse them?
Yes you can. Hand wash your mask in warm water after each use and air to dry.
How long do they last?
Your reusable masks last up to 50 washes. This is guided by the World Health Organisation’s standards on the usage of masks. You can find more info here.
Where do the proceeds go?
Like all our Cotton On Foundation products, 100% of proceeds go towards empowering youth through quality education and access to healthcare.
Where are the masks manufactured?
Our face masks are manufactured in China, with each mask containing certification from global independent testing labs.
