Frontliners pack bags of essentials for Australia’s healthcare workers
They may be small parcels, but they’re reducing healthcare staff to tears of joy as they battle unimaginable conditions on the frontline of the fight to halt the COVID-19 spread. Here’s how you can pitch in.
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There are no second thoughts about working long, gruelling hours and dealing with the horrors of the COVID-19 pandemic for frontline workers.
Many of them don’t have time to stop and eat, take a drink or have a passing thought about their own health.
That’s where Frontliners steps in.
The group sends hospital heroes like doctors, nurses and paramedics kits to help deal with those often forgotten basic needs.
“Our aim is to deliver care packages to healthcare workers on the frontline at this time,” CEO and founder of Frontliners said.
“It’s intended as a gesture of support, and a nod of appreciation from the Australian people.”
The idea is to pool support from the community, local and national businesses and financial services to send healthcare workers being battered by the pandemic kits including things like electrolytes, sanitary supplies, protein balls and soon a $30 voucher courtesy of UberEats.
“We currently have 25 partners including YouFoodz, Uber Eats, Red Bull and Care Pharmaceuticals,” Mr Leahy said.
“The morale of healthcare workers when facing this sort of challenge is key. There are many workers in hospitals and healthcare facilities – doctors, nurses, pathologists, direct care staff, cleaners, security and more.
“Each person holds an important position in caring for the community. We hope we are contributing in a small way to raising morale and affirming the work they do, especially when under pressure as well as giving them practical items they need to get through their busy and stressful shifts.”
Mr Leahy said the response from those in need had been incredible.
“We’ve had such warming and moving feedback from healthcare workers as they’ve become aware of our initiative and have received the first batch of gift packs,” he said.
Daniella Grammatikos Visic, who is a nurse, said when she received the pack it brought a tear to her eye.
“It was totally unexpected … reminding me of the importance of my job and why I love being a nurse,” she said.
“It made my night and will mean the world to many health staff at this time of uncertainty.”
Mr Leahy said outside Frankston Hospital this week one nurse said receiving her package, was “amazing”.
“No-one ever thinks about us. I haven’t had time to go to the supermarket and, when I do, I can’t get basic things I need at the moment. This is my dinner for the next three days. Thank you so much.”
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Since its launch Frontliners has raised more than 1 million in products and services, with cash contributions of $7,040. About $44,500 worth of products were delivered to Frontliners this week.
“We really need financial contributions in order to dispatch these packages using existing supply channels through Australia Post,” Mr Leahy said.
People can offer financial contribution or become a partner through the website www.frontliners.com.au