Port of Oakland has masks for staff, tenants thanks to gifts 

Port of Oakland staff and tenants combatting coronavirus can get free face masks thanks to two California companies. The Port said today it received 500,000 masks last Tuesday donated by Montebello, Ca-based sustainable clothier BELLA+CANVAS. Oakland trucking company Impact Transportation hauled the cargo to the Port at no charge.

The Port characterized both gifts as welcome largesse in its 18-month effort to aid California’s pandemic recovery.  It said employees or others working on the waterfront or at Oakland International Airport can get free masks.

“Our staff, tenants and customers have worked heroically to keep the state going despite Covid-19,” said Port Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “We’re grateful that we can thank them with this simple but essential gift.”

Apparel manufacturer BELLA+CANVAS collaborated with federal agencies last year to produce face masks that slow coronavirus spread. The company said it searched for organizations that could benefit from free masks and settled on the Port.

“We’re happy to do our part during the pandemic to help the Port, which provides the region’s essential everyday products,” said Kenneth W. Duncan, Executive Director of Logistics at BELLA+CANVAS. 

The Port made global headlines during the past year and a half assisting California’s Covid-19 response.  Noteworthy contributions included:
“The Port has been the cornerstone of Oakland’s economy and a model citizen in the fight against coronavirus,” said Ron Cancilla, President of Impact Transportation.  “That’s why we were glad to do our part by delivering masks to Oakland.”

• Disembarking and repatriating passengers from the coronavirus-stricken cruise ship Grand Princess;
• Distributing Covid-19 test kits through Oakland International Airport vending machines; and
• Moving record containerized import cargo volume through the supply chain as the U.S. economy rebounded.