Our partnership with Brave Space Alliance
H/Co employees have donated over 100,000 masks to social justice organizations and launched an impact product: boxes of masks in 10...
In late spring of 2020, Kenneth Kwok, Co-Founder of Hong Kong-based PPE company Family Mask, messaged his longtime friend Kevin Hauswirth with a simple ask: "Will you help us donate masks to community organizations on the front lines?" Kenneth was painfully aware of the shortages in the United States and wanted to help, but needed an on-the-ground partner. H/Co has delivered more than 100,000 PPE masks.
Kevin and his coworkers at H/Co jumped in to help. Within weeks, thousands of surgical-grade masks arrived at H/Co employees’ apartments and we became mini-distribution centers, making nights-and-weekend mask drop-offs all over Chicago. Khiry Van Allen connected with orgs SaveMoneySaveLife on the South Side and personally brought PPE to BLM demonstrations. Argelia Martinez (and Canela!) supported Casa Central and Read Write Library in Humboldt Park, while Kevin, Elena Saunders, and Jack Ladd focused on helping LGBTQ+ organizations like Howard Brown, TPAN, Brave Space Alliance, and Chicago House.
To reach beyond Chicago, H/Co launched FamilyQ.org with a little help from some (fancy) friends. Transgender Playmate and activist Geena Rocero connected with LGBTQ+ health leader Callen-Lorde, lending her heart and voice to this effort. Gay dad and Celebrity Chef Art Smith distributed masks in rural Florida while Drag Superstar Nina West supported her local community in Columbus, OH. Fashion executive Randy Cousin added more creativity to the cause.
This Fall, in an exclusive collaboration with FamilyMaskHK, FamilyQ has launched an impact product — boxes of 50 disposable masks that come in 10 fabulous colors. Proceeds from these sales will help FamilyQ make financial contributions, in addition to PPE, to the organizations serving communities who need the most help right now.