Helping hands – the local Brisbane initiatives supporting our frontline workers and medical staff
While it’s easy to get caught up in the sucky aspects of coronavirus (of which there are many), here at The Weekend Edition we’re doing our best to keep it positive. This crisis is really shining a light on the fact that our country is filled with amazing people who are risking their own health every single day to keep us safe. Our selfless frontline workers and medical staff are essentially putting their lives on hold during this wild and constantly evolving time – so what can we do to lighten their load? This list contains some awesome initiatives both for those wanting to help and those who could use a hand at the moment.
Food and Drink
Feed the Frontline: Looking for a way to support Brisbane’s frontline workers with the added benefit of helping our hospo industry? Donate to Feed the Frontline – your money goes to a participating restaurant of your choice, that will then send a meal to one of our frontline heroes.
A Good Beer Always Helps: The angels at Good Beer Co. have set up a system where grateful Aussies can donate some frothies to our deserving frontline friends. Hospital staff, teachers, truck drivers, supermarket workers and more are all eligible to register for free beers delivered – head here to put your hand up.
Billykart: The absolute legends at Billykart have been raising funds so that they can feed the frontline folk in our community – everything from coffee for Coles workers through to meals at Prince Charles Hospital have already been (and keep getting) dished out. You can donate here.
Buy Them a Coffee: When you’re burning the candle at both ends, a good cuppa can really lift your spirits. Want to provide this joy to someone on the frontline? Donations to Buy Them a Coffee are pretty self-explanatory – you can shout Queensland healthcare workers a hard-earned cup of bliss.
Businesses offering discounts and deals: Plenty of generous spots are slinging discounts and deals for frontline workers during the crisis. Banjo’s Bakery Cafes, Il Verde, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, BP, Hungry Jack’s, McDonald’s, Dominos and oodles more places will help you out if you show ID or swing by in uniform. There’s also a Facebook group clueing frontline friends into discounts and deals they are eligible for.
Freebies from Botero House: Purveyor of fine eats Botero House has been gifting local hospitals and clinics with free cold-brew coffee and treats to keep our frontline fam fuelled. Bless!
Lifestyle
Adopt a Healthcare Worker: This adorable initiative is encouraging those who know healthcare workers to help them out – checking in, cooking meals, picking up kids or anything else life throws your way. Don’t know anyone in need but want to help? The official Facebook page can link you up with someone.
Crisis Heroes: This free online platform connects those who want to help with those who need help – and it’s all location-based! Whether you need assistance with shopping, supplies, food, mail, business or emotional support (or can provide any of these services), this is the place to find it.
Coles Community Hour: We all know that supermarkets are a pretty overwhelming place to be right now, so Coles is easing the stress for healthcare workers with its Community Hour. Prove your AHPRA registration, present your workplace ID or rock up in uniform from 7:00–8:00 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays for early (and calmer) access to groceries.
Bunnings Warehouse early access: To help our emergency workers and tradies get improved access to products they might need bright and early, Bunnings is not opening its doors to the general public until 9:00 am on weekdays.
Babysitters for Healthcare Workers: Due to schools being all but shut down at the moment, it can be difficult for those on the frontline to take care of their little ones. This Brisbane and Gold Coast-based Facebook group is doing exactly as it says – connecting healthcare workers with people who have child-minding and teaching experience.
Care Army: The premise of the Care Army is pretty simple – it encourages those who have the time or means to help vulnerable members of our society during the coronavirus crisis. You can either reach out to people you know directly or register your services online.
Businesses offering discounts: Much like the more edible options mentioned earlier, plenty of other businesses are jumping on board the discount train. Rollie shoes, Louvelle, Lush and more keep popping up – so everything from head to toe is taken care of! Keep an eye on Facebook for more deals, as most retailers are posting special offers to their social channels.
Have you seen any other helpful initiatives pop up that you’d like to share? Drop us a line via [email protected] and we’ll add it to our list!