Artisan Relief & FaceMasks for Communities in Laos

Dear Friends, 

We trust this message finds you well. It is a worrying time for us all, and we wish you the strength you need to succeed in overcoming your current challenges. 

On the 21st of March the Laos borders closed. Tourism ended abruptly, vanquishing the livelihoods of our team of 20.  We anticipate that tourists will start venturing back in November. The question we have asked ourselves is what do we do till then?

We are teaming up together (from our homes) using our sewing skills to produce, sell and donate face masks for the elderly and those more vulnerable in Laos.

With the uncertainty that lies ahead we feel more compelled than ever to keep contributing to our community and keep our connections thriving. Our drive has always been about keeping traditional skills alive, however we have to put our more artistic endeavours on hold for now, and put our minds and skills towards helping to fight the spread of COVID-19. We cannot sit still when we have something we can offer. 

Our aim is to initially produce a minimum of 3000 quality, reusable masks. We have purchased supplies of medically approved face mask fabric which we place between inner and outer layers of cotton from our textile studio supplies, usually used for our sarongs and scarves.

However we cannot do this alone, we need whatever help you can offer.

In an effort to give our staff some security during this time and keep our mission alive we are seeking to raise funds of £5,000 to see us through the hardest months.

Our aim is to provide each of our artisans, sales staff and admin $150 each month for a preliminary period of 3 months - our founders' salaries are on hold. 

The money we raise will go towards paying a minimum stipend for our staff to buy food and essential provisions, rents etc. 

In Laos we are met with the warmest of welcomes, innocent generosity and  if you have have been there maybe you have left with the feeling that you have something to learn from the Lao approach to life.

By supporting this campaign, you are directly contributing to protecting the vulnerable in Laos and supporting the continuation of handicraft skills which provides a valuable income for artisans.

£5 - provides two face masks for the vulnerable
£20 - provides a food package for one artisan and family of four, for a week
£150 - provides one member of our team a monthly stipend
£300 - contributes to our studio rent
£1000 - keeps our contract for our shop




Our fabric face masks are now available for purchase if you would like one for yourself or family member and it's also a great way to support us. Please find them on our website www.passa-paa.com/shop

For every purchase we will donate 1 face mask to someone in need. All the masks will be washed and bagged in a sterile environment. 

If you know of anyone particularly in need in the Luang Prabang area please get in touch via email or social media direct message.

Thank you so much for any support you can offer at this time, and if you are unable to support financially we completely understand, you can help by sharing this fundraiser with your networks.  We're in this together, and together we CAN make a difference!

Kop chai lie lie,  stay well, spread love,  Heather, Pok and all at Passa Paa.
www.passa-paa.com