McCarthy Uniforms Engages Canadian Kids and Teens to Help Develop PPE That Addresses Unique Fears and Needs of Children and Teens

Youth-friendly line of face masks and hand sanitizers developed for fit, comfort and self-expression while reducing financial barrier to PPE for Canadian families

TORONTO, June 10, 2020 /CNW/ - McCarthy Uniforms today announced the launch of its Kids + Teens personal protective equipment (PPE) line, extending its commitment to help Canadians during this unprecedented time and building on its existing work producing and procuring PPE for frontline workers. While not mandated in schools, PPE is recommended for every day preventative use by Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.

The Kids + Teens product line – which includes face masks and hand sanitizer pens (designed to fit into pencil cases when children are back at school) – was developed to address the unique needs of children and teenagers. In order to understand the experiences and challenges facing families, the company held virtual groups during which it learned that widespread frustrations existed among both children and parents around several aspects of traditional PPE for kids. This included the high costs associated with obtaining quality PPE, poor fit, unrelatable style and design, uncomfortable fabrics (which were causing skin irritation), and the emotional impact of wearing clinical face masks, often seen as intimidating by children and teens.

McCarthy Uniforms' PPE line includes a variety of fun face mask styles that are made from breathable two-ply 100% Egyptian cotton, are washable, reusable, and designed by children and teens to reduce the 'fear factor' often associated with masks. McCarthy Uniforms has also developed GermBusterz refillable hand sanitizers that fit in a pencil case and refresh kids' hands without leaving a sticky residue. The company is also offering Remedy Kits for families on the go that include gloves and hand sanitizer wipes, among other items. All items are available for purchase on www.navyandwhite.ca, McCarthy Uniform's dedicated website for no-logo classic apparel for kids across North America.

"Our team is focused on developing products based on direct customer insight and customer prototyping, and the Kids + Teens PPE line is the latest example of how our products are making a difference in improving the lives of others," said Vanessa Iarocci, President, McCarthy Uniforms. "Our actions are always guided by our corporate values and a commitment to evolving based on what is important to our customers, suppliers, employees and the communities in which we operate. We are extremely proud to launch our Kids + Teens PPE product line for Canadian families, and are thrilled to have our Creative Director, Andrea Giamou, on the team who has done an outstanding job driving product design innovation at McCarthy Uniforms."

Throughout the development process, the team at McCarthy Uniforms was guided by a commitment to ensuring the product line addressed the financial burden facing many families looking for quality PPE for their children, including the ongoing costs associated with face masks that are frequently lost and misplaced by children. As a result, McCarthy Uniforms is offering kids and teens masks at a lower price point than most currently on the market - $2.50 each or $14.99 for a pack of six – and all models include a tag on the inside to write a child's name.    

"It's inspiring to work in an innovative culture with a team that prioritizes kindness, bold thinking and collaboration. This is especially important in the uniform industry to ensure clothing is as comfortable and fashionable as possible," said Andrea Giamou, Creative Director at McCarthy Uniforms. "It has been rewarding to apply my skills, my experience and my vision to innovate products that are so important to families across the country, including this new line of PPE. We are thrilled that initial feedback on our Kids + Teens masks has been positive, with children and teens enjoying fun designs such as the mustache and bear faces."

In addition to the development and procurement of PPE for kids and teens, McCarthy Uniforms continues to serve its online workplace segment including public sector employees across healthcare and education, and private sector workers in a wide range of industries from construction to retail to food services to logistics. The company has also made changes to ensure it can continue to seamlessly serve its school uniform customers leading up to back to school, including setting up a 'click and collect' curbside program and an online 1:1 FIT experience, among other changes.

About McCarthy Uniforms
Founded in 1956, McCarthy Uniforms is a proud provider of uniforms to schools and workplaces across Canada and is one of the country's most storied uniform companies. Guided by the belief that uniforms have the power to build strong communities that work, learn and play together, the company has served more than 10 million Canadians from coast-to-coast. Employing more than 350 Canadians, McCarthy Uniforms is dedicated to playing an active and positive role in advancing the interests of women, kids and teens around the world.

SOURCE McCarthy Uniforms Inc.

Aby Bueno, Broad Reach Communications, T: 416-858-3135, E: [email protected]