“Imperfect solutions” is how Kerby Jean-Raymond described his latest moves – $50,000 set aside for minority and women-owned small creative businesses currently in distress; converting the Pyer Moss studio into a donation center for N95 masks and latex gloves with $5,000 set aside to obtain these supplies  – in two Instagram posts yesterday. But imperfect as he may think it is, such actions, regardless of scale, are not just admirable and inspiring, they are exactly what is needed as we battle the COVID-19 outbreak – especially as numbers of those testing positive are rising at a staggering rate.

“In the last few days, I’ve been getting an influx of messages from medical professionals on the front lines, who have been treating this pandemic, about their shortage of basic supplies,” the CFDA member wrote. “Many of them, including my sister, have not had enough N95 masks and some are without goves. My sister was exposed to COVID-19 and her elder patients’ safety has been compromised due to some professionals having to wear makeshift masks.”

He is asking anyone with supplies of both masks and gloves to mail them to: YOUR FRIENDS IN NEW YORK; 242 W 27^th Street. 7^th floor; New York, NY 10001.

Medical professionals in need of these supplies, and women and minority-owned business who “cannot make payroll or cannot cover pressing costs to keep your business afloat” can emailwanttohelp@yourfriendsin.nyc.

Thank you, Kerby.