In 2020, as COVID-19 surged and PPE shortages left frontline workers vulnerable, Shop3D.ca stepped in. What began as a small in-house effort to design and print face shields quickly grew into a national non-profit, uniting volunteers, sponsors, and institutions across Canada. In just three months, we produced and distributed 18,269 shields and ear savers to hospitals in need—earning recognition from the City of Mississauga as a “Covid Hero.”
While we didn’t come up with the idea, we were uniquely positioned to act because:
- Our in-house team designed a durable, material-efficient, hospital-ready face shield holder.
- We were connected to a nationwide network of professional 3D printer operators.
- Supplier relationships gave us access to scarce clear film and filament.
- Our stores in Mississauga and Vancouver enabled coast-to-coast distribution.
- Existing relationships with research hospitals meant immediate demand and adoption.
Building the Foundation
Our team rapidly prototyped a 3D-printed face shield that could be produced consistently with minimal waste. As hospitals began requesting supplies, we formalized the effort as a non-profit, CovidStop, and set up systems to manage requests, distribution, and volunteer coordination.
Scaling Through Community
Demand outpaced what our in-house 3D printing alone could deliver, so we turned to our clients. We created production kits with filament and prepaid shipping labels, inviting manufacturers, schools, libraries, hobbyists, and professionals to help. The response was overwhelming: 130 volunteers across Canada joined the effort.
Sponsorship & Support
To keep the program running, we secured donations from sponsors including BASF Forward AM, CraftBot, and Ultimaker. Shop3D.ca contributed materials and covered all shipping costs.
Designing the Movement
Alongside coordinating production, I developed the campaign identity:
- A logo and website where hospitals could request shields and volunteers could sign up.
- A leaderboard to track contributions and spark friendly competition.
- Social media channels, email newsletters, and sponsor messaging to amplify the movement and celebrate wins.
The Impact
- 18,269 shields and ear savers delivered to medical professionals.
- 130 volunteers onboarded nationwide.
- 8 public sponsors secured, with industry leaders contributing.
- Recognized by the City of Mississauga as a “Covid Hero.”
Shop3D.ca leveraged its expertise and network to unite volunteers, sponsors, and hospitals across Canada in a time of crisis—with me leading the design, messaging, and coordination that made it possible.
