A local textile rental company is looking to put its inventory to good use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restaurant dining rooms have been ordered closed since the province declared a state of emergency March 17. Restaurants make up about 75 per cent of the clientele for Wagg’s Ltd., leaving the Orillia-based company with “a fair bit of inventory,” including medical gowns for patients.
So when the government asked businesses to supply emergency products if possible, company president Billy Wagg answered the call and filled out a form on the province’s website.
He also published a post to social media to let people know about the gowns. As of Monday afternoon, he had no takers.
“We’d be more than happy to help. We’re all in this together,” Wagg said. “If we can step up and try to help those who need it, that’s what we’re here for.”
Wagg’s is also waiting on a shipment of hand sanitizer, which could be sold directly to the public.
While linen and uniform services are considered essential, the pandemic has affected the day-to-day operations at Wagg’s, which has been around since 1902, when Wagg’s great-great-grandfather, Newton Kirby Wagg, founded the company in Midland.
Like many businesses, it has had to lay off some staff and reduce hours of operation.
“It’s definitely something I don’t think anyone has seen before,” Wagg said, but added he is optimistic. “We’ve been through World War 1, World War 2, recession, depression — you name it. We’re going to push through this, too.”
While Wagg’s hasn’t heard back about its offer to supply gowns, updates will be posted to its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
