A West Kelowna business is helping those working in essential services by providing plexiglass barriers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Mouldings & More will also be donating a portion of their profits to the Central Okanagan Food Bank. 

“Normally we’d create more of displays, sports displays, jewelry cases… so we’re already fabricating but we do it at a wholesale level," said Harold Loewen, owner and manager of Mouldings & More. "People don’t know about us, however when this came about we have the ability to do this product and I have a very talented staff that do a really good job so we put that into work.

The local company already has some of their new products out in the community.

“It’s actually made our clinic area look much neater and professional," said Shirley Finkensiep, clinic manager at Highroads Medical Clinics. "I think the patients are feeling safer, as well as the girls behind the counter."

She was also impressed with the timely manner in which the barriers were custom made and set-up. 

“We asked him to do it and off he went and there they were that afternoon. Then we realized we needed extra to be closed even more so we asked him to do more for us and he said it would be ready the next day but he was back the same day and we’re up and running.”

At the moment the high demand for these plexiglass barriers has led to a low inventory of materials.

“Four of my suppliers at this point have no product at all. It's right across Canada," Loewen said. "It’s because everybody is, especially in the major centres, doing this exact thing because they know it’s effective."

Mouldings & More is providing both fully installed or removal pieces for local businesses. 

“A lot of businesses don’t want you to screw holes and add big brackets so we made these ones to stand on their own," Loewen said. "If we get into larger ones like in grocery stores, they need more support because they’re larger and heavier so we support them with poles." 

Loewen says he’s noticed many people aren’t understanding the two-metre social-distancing rule because it’s a habit to be close to people. He believes these shields will help when people are encroaching on other’s space. 

“This is totally important because we are all concerned for each other’s health especially our patients and our staff as well,” says Finkensiep. 

She says they thought these plexiglass barriers were going to be temporary but they’ve now decided they’re going to keep them up permanently. 

Those interested can reach the local company at 250 769 1617 for more information.