Safe Shields has been so busy during the recent health concern that we feel like we haven't even introduced ourselves properly. In the last four months, so much of our time has been spent hustling to design face shields, manufacturing the shields, then delivering them across North America that we haven't had a moment to tell you how and why we found ourselves here – trying to help people get through a global crisis that none of us could have even dreamed of just six months ago.
How We Pivoted our Business
When Kim Shippam had to shut her doors in March 2020 she felt somewhat helpless and overwhelmed. Used to running her two businesses, Caufields Engraving and Caufields Memorials, managing her small staff and juggling her busy life as a single mom, Kim wasn't sure how she would sit still and do nothing.
She was at home keeping her eye on the latest news when she saw a broadcast about 3D printed face shields. A born innovator with a strong background in laser printing and assemblage, Kim knew she could create a "better face shield." She was ready to pivot her business.
Kim was used to working hard and thinking on her feet – she purchased Caufields Engraving in 2008 when she was 25 years old and has grown it to be a successful business in the small town of Vernon, BC. What was once a small shop in a garage, created by Greg Caufield in 1984, is today a trusted supplier to many large companies across Canada and the US in the industrial field. In 2012, Kim created a sister company, Caufields Memorials, to fulfill sandblasting projects and expand the customizing capacity and meet the demands of her clients.
Over the years, Kim has been recognized for her hard work with numerous awards from the city of Vernon, including the Chamber of Commerce's Best of the Best, Employer of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.
Kim also has a strong commitment to her community– she sits on the board of the Family Resource Centre, holds a chair on the Kalamalka Rotary and volunteers with youth communities and sports.
When the health scare hit, Kim knew she wanted to help keep her community safe. After learning about the shortage of PPE equipment and how 3D printers were trying to fill a new demand for face shields, she knew she could use her company's equipment to make something similar.
After designing and creating 8 different prototypes at her warehouse in Vernon, BC, Kim felt like she had a face shield ready to ship. She quickly put the word out that she had the means and desire to help Canada and its front-line workers. Soon orders were flying in and instead of laying off employees, Kim was hiring 50 more. Kim's third company, Safe Shields, was off and running.
Our Mission Today
The sole mission at Safe Shields is to help keep Canada safe. We are a small company with a big desire to help Canadians through this health crisis while providing workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compatible face shields. We made sure that our face shields were fully approved by Health Canada with a MDEL 13863 number.
We are here for Canadians.
MADE IN CANADA
At Safe Shields, we are proud of our Made in Canada heritage. All our shields and masks are made with Canadian supplies by Canadian employees.
CANADIAN WORKERS
All our staff are local Vernon, BC employees who are trying their best to meet the demands of a global crisis. As Canadians, we are happy to help our community and the globe.
HOW ARE SHIELDS ARE MADE
Safe Shields are made for multi-use long-term wear with three layers of materials to provide protection and comfort. The comfort comes from a foam-padded acrylic band with an adjustable elasticized strap that fits all sizes. The protection is provided by a replaceable clear PET plastic that is mounted onto an acrylic/foam band with metal rivets. Logo artwork and wording can be laser cut into the acrylic band to provide individualized branding and messaging for business.
CUSTOMIZED SHIELDS
Our ability to customize your shield for you makes us the proudest. Kim has been creating customized products for 12 years, so of course, our face shields had to have this feature. We can laser cut your face shields with your desired logo or message. You just have to visit our website and upload your logo or image and we will brand your shield. Please just give us an additional day or two to create your custom order.
We are here to help North America stay safe and get ready to go back to work. Our first customers were from the Vernon area, including our first large order to the Kindale Developmental Association, a non-profit society that provides a wide range of services to people with developmental and other disabilities throughout the North Okanagan. We are now delivering both large and small orders across the nation.
We can supply:
- Healthcare Workers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Physiotherapists
- Sports Medicine Associates
- Care Home Workers
- Government Employees
- Retail Employees
- Food Service Workers
- Librarians Teachers
- Gym Staff
- Hairstylists
- Nail Technicians
- Massage Therapists
- Grocery Clerks
- Banking Staff
- Restaurant Staff
- Family reunions
- Families
- Seniors
- And more...
What People Are Saying About Safe Shields
"Their customer service is amazing! I've bought several: I'm an anesthesiologist and these are SO much better than the disposable ones the hospital supplied."
"I ordered 50 comfort shields and gave them out to neighbors, friends, and family. Super pleased with the product and the convenience of using a shield that I can quickly wipe down rather than a mask I have to throw in the wash."
GETTING A FACE SHIELD
We can deliver across Canada and are now delivering to parts of the US. To order your own face shield, click here.