MEET THE MAKER Helen Mends started at farmers markets in Toronto in 2018, mending textiles and making replacements for disposable items from upcycled materials. Since that time we have kept more than 3,800 damaged items out of landfills. Helen Mends makes products like makeup wipes, produce and tote bags, coffee filters, menstrual pads and pantiliners, cutlery kits, breastfeeding pads, hankies, and seasonal items—all using discarded materials. We are always looking for ways to become more eco-friendly. In 2019 we started using a solar-powered battery for power at outdoor events. During the 2020 pandemic, Helen and her mother, Cookie, pivoted to making masks. Helen works with The ROSE Project (www.roseproject.ca) and together, Helen and Cookie have made over 3,000 masks. Helen is now living in Montreal. She does local mending and…
