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18th March 2020
In spite of the worry, social isolation and 'panic-buying' caused by COVID-19, there have been many kind, warmhearted moments and contributions made by people around the world, especially towards the elderly and vulnerable.
Showing care and love at an individual and community level can help us get through this uncertain time. Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Physical isolation doesn't limit love
Bob in Connecticut, US has celebrated his 67th anniversary with his beloved wife Nancy a little differently this year. Due to visitor restrictions at Nancy’s residential aged care home, Bob pulled together a sign and balloons and waved to his loved one from outside.
The sign read “I’ve loved you for 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary.” Nancy waved and blew kissed from the window in response.
Read the NBC article here.
2. The gift of giving
In Queensland, Australia, two friends, aged 4 and 6 have combined their pocket money to buy toilet paper for the elderly in their community. After seeing the lack of toilet paper on the shelves at the supermarkets, Petrina’s daughter Addyson asked if she could use her tooth fairy money to buy toilet paper for those who missed out.
Petrina McGuire shared a photo of her daughter and best friend on Facebook, using a cart to carry toilet paper to those in need.
Read the news.com.au article.
3. Postcards of support
People from all around the world are showing kindness and goodwill by sending notes or forms to their isolated or vulnerable neighbours, offering supplies and support. Becky, a lecturer from Falmouth University in the UK, has designed post cards for everyone to send to their neighbours. The idea came to her after she felt helpless but determined to support others in some way. The idea has gone viral (#viralkindness) and has spread as far as Australia.
The post cards, which you can download online include boxes for you to write your name, address, phone number and state whether you can help to pick up shopping, urgent supplies, posting mail or even just “a friendly phone call”.
Read the Guardian UK article here.
4. New shopping hours
Supermarkets all around the world, including Australian giants Coles and Woolworths, have begun servicing special shopping hours for the elderly and vulnerable. This is in a bid to ensure these people have access to food and supplies after high levels of ‘panic-buying’ have left some people without everyday necessities.
Coles has also suspended all online deliveries for the general public, leaving the service available specifically for isolated and vulnerable people.
5. Songs to boost morale
People across Italy, one of the countries most affected by COVID-19, have begun flash mobs - singing and dancing from the balconies and windows of their homes during the nationwide lockdown.
The singing is a bid to boost community morale, and has gained a lot of traction on social media. Songs include the national anthem and a song which the title of translates to "Hug Me."
Read the full article here.
6. Facebook altruism
Over 35 Facebook groups have been set up by Canadians to support people impacted by the Corona virus. Tens of thousands of people have joined these groups to offer their support to those who are more at risk of health complications relating to corona virus.
The term "caremongering" was coined by Mita Hans and Valentina Harper and others, who set up the original support group on Facebook.
Valentina told the BCC, "Scaremongering is a big problem. We wanted to switch that around and get people to connect on a positive level, to connect with each other.
"It's spread the opposite of panic in people, brought out community and camaraderie, and allowed us to tackle the needs of those who are at-risk all the time - now more than ever."
Read the full BBC article here.
The UK has been following suite. In Greater Manchester, Rachel Pleasant set up a Facebook group and has been recruiting volunteers to help local residents who are elderly, vulnerable or stuck at home. Between the 2000+ members, they have divvyd up the streets and are visiting residents and offering to run errands or pick up suppliers.
"I think we just felt panic never solves anything, let's focus some of that energy on really helping the people in our community." Read the article here.
13th March 2020
We are actively monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID 19) situation and following the advice from the Australian Government.
