Q: How did you get started?
A: Give Us A Hand is a project created by makers at Young Makers. Young Makers started in 2013, when they donated a 3D printer to the Door Youth Centre Ottawa. Since then, the Door has been hosting weekly 3D printing workshops for youth. Give Us A Hand allows youth involved with the 3D printing program to build on their skills and tools, and build something worth printing.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Young Makers works out of the University of Ottawa's Entrepreneurship Hub. 3D printing programs are run in collaboration with The Door Youth Centre Ottawa
Q: Where are your volunteers & recipients based?
A: Currently, our volunteers are all located in Ottawa. Volunteers include makers, instructors, campaign managers, and general supporters. Once enough are created, our 3D printed prosthetic hands will be sent through the Prosthetic Kids Hand Challenge, and then they will distribute them in bulk to those in need.
Q: Who are your "creators"?
A: Leading the Give Us A Hand project is Kristina, a fourth year Mechanical Engineering and Computing Technology student at the University of Ottawa. Kristina is also the project manager for Young Makers. Nick, a youth worker at The Door Youth Centre, has taken the leadership roll in running the Young Maker's 3D printing program, teaching local youth in Ottawa how to print.
Q: How are monetary donations used?
A: All monetary donations made will go towards helping Young Makers to fund the materials needed to make a prosthetic hand (i.e. 3D printer filament). Additional funds will go towards shipping hands overseas, and helping us to buy a new 3D printer.
Q: What materials are needed to build a 3D printed hand?
A: The materials needed to build a 3D printed prosthetic include: 3D printing filament, screws, fishing line, stretchy string, velcro, and padding.
Q: Can I help in other ways?
A: If you have an idea on other ways you can help the Give Us A Hand project other than donations, contact us today!