More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
By Joy Stephens
Unable to pursue her fashion career during the lockdown, Ritika Gurung has not remained idle.
To date, she has sewn and donated over 3000 masks for NHS workers and people in Dover, working from her design studio in the Charlton Centre.
“When I heard about the shortages of masks I set to work immediately.
Dover residents were so kind and helpful when I first came to Britain five years ago, I wanted to do something for the town in return.
It gives me peace of mind to be helping people; it’s the way I was brought up.”
“I began by sewing masks for all my friends and elderly customers. Suddenly –boom! – requests started pouring in from surgeries and hospitals all over Kent.
In May I received a message via a volunteer group helping the NHS that East Kent Hospitals were desperately short of surgical gowns.
They sent me the special material and detailed instructions.
I couldn’t use pins or make mistakes, because any puncture holes would compromise the protectiveness of the gown.
Committed to sewing a further 1000 masks and scrubs, Ritika’s beneficiaries include G.P. surgeries, hospitals, special needs carers, teachers, church volunteers, drivers and people working in food banks; even Great Ormond Street Hospital charity is among those institutions she has helped.
In return she has received hundreds of thank you messages,including a letter from K.C.C.’s Mid Kent Pathways Service, recognising her contribution.
Ritika, who is of Nepalese ethnicity, was born in Hong Kong where her father was serving in the British Gurkhas. “From a young age I was passionate about fashion. When we dream-played weddings as children, other girls begged to play the role of ‘bride’; but I wanted to be the couturier and design the wedding dress! My parents were unusually supportive of my independence and professional ambitions, something which is not the norm in Nepalese society.”
“I came to Britain because London is the fashion capital of the world. For my design studio I was attracted to Dover, initially because of its lower rental price. It’s close to London and an ideal place for start-up, but I’m so happy to be here. I love Dover! It’s an amazing place! I have so many friends of all nationalities and backgrounds here. I’ve never experienced any negative attitudes; my customers come from all walks of life.”
In a very short time, Ritika has become deeply involved in Dover’s community life.
She is a member of the Dover Together group, and her colourful fashion parade has been a highlight of Dover’s Multi-cultural festival for the past few years.
