News

Fidelity Bank has made a $15,000 donation to the Via Christi Foundation to aid in the local production of plastic face shields for frontline caregivers at Ascension Via Christi. This grant is part of a $30,000 commitment from the Via Christi Foundation toward the goal of creating high quality face shields. The fund was originally intended to produce 6,000 shields, a target that has since increased to 7,000. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these shields are a part of a critical shortage of medical supplies facing healthcare providers across the nation.

A taskforce has been assembled to manufacture plastic face shields using 3D printers in local labs. Leading the effort is Teddy Wisely, a Wichita Police Department sergeant who has gathered support from Wichita State University’s Innovation and Go Create Labs, Groover Labs, McConnell Air Force Base, Pittsburg State University, Gregory Inc. in Hutchinson, KS and a handful of private individuals.

“We have always pulled together as a community to overcome adversity. Fidelity Bank is proud to continue that tradition and contribute to the local fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Aaron Bastian, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “We applaud the community taskforce for taking the initiative to meet the needs of the dedicated medical team at Ascension Via Christi. Doctors, nurses and caregivers are on the frontline, fighting for the health of our community and it is our duty to do what we can in support of their bravery.”