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8 | InTouch FEBRUARY 2022 Creating something that people want and the feedback she has received has been heartwarming for Wendy Reeve. By Melanie Louden Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make the biggest difference. And that’s exactly the case for MDANZ Central Branch member Viv Klaassen. Viv has Friedreich’s ataxia muscular dystrophy and was “horrified”when the condition led to her starting to dribble. But a dribble protector that she can easily put on and take off herself has made a world of difference. “The dribble protector made me feel normal again, even attractive again, wearing something nice. I appreciate the pull over protector I also have. My daily routine can be so clinical and always the same. A simple act of being able to put on my own clothing protector, makes it less clinical and more dignified. I feel I have independence and control back of my life.” Viv uses clothing protectors made by her niece Wendy Reeve. “Through these products I have come to terms with how my body is changing and how certain products can help me physically and emotionally,”Viv says. “When I’m out I can wear something that is attractive and I can keep my clothes clean and tidy. The products do work and [fufil] a real need for many people.” Viv says the clothing protectors are “all made with so much love”. And for Wendy, the owner of a company called Eveer, making them is a labour of love. Restoring dignity with every stitch THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE FEATURE The former early childhood teacher lives in Pukerua Bay, Wellington with her husband and four children. She started Eveer – their surname spelt backwards – after Covid-19 hit New Zealand. “I began thinking about what I could do to protect my family, in particular my husband who has a heart condition and had open heart surgery three years ago.” So, she borrowed a sewing machine and began sewing face masks for friends and family. Wendy says it wasn’t long before a conversation started with her aunty Viv about the need for quality, and nice looking, clothing protectors. “My initial plan was to make clothing protectors just for my aunty, but the conversations that came from these protectors took me to another place.” Wendy says hearing stories of people using towels when they were eating, or not eating the food they wanted because they were too embarrassed to wear something to protect their clothing, prompted her to start Eveer, pronounced ‘ever’. “There was this gorgeous driving force, knowing I was making something special for people who genuinely need it.” Wendy’s Oma (grandmother) is 90 and also uses one for every meal as she is confined to a bed. “I’m really proud that I can be a part of helping her.” “I often get custom orders or messages from people who require something a little different, and so I create it.” Go to https://eveer.co.nz email eveer.ltd@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/eveercreations Wendy Reeve makes clothing protectors “with so much love”.