Hobart cafe plan catches on as patrons buy lunch for workers on front line of COVID-19 response

Tasmanians are rushing to praise the doctors, nurses, ambulance officers, police and other staff involved in managing the COVID-19 crisis. Here’s an easy way you can say “thanks”.

ORDINARY Tasmanians can buy meals for frontline healthcare workers and leave messages of support thanks to an initiative by two small-scale Hobart businesses.

The owners of Collide Wholefoods and Criterion Cafe launched the pay-it-forward service about a week ago as a way to support Tasmanian doctors, nurses, ambulance officers, police and other staff involved in managing the COVID-19 crisis.

And the response has been overwhelming, with Tasmanians rushing to donate up to $100 at a time to buy meals.

Collide Wholefoods owner Millie Pardoe said the internet ordering platform was set up to provide both click-and-collect and delivery services for healthcare workers in need of meal offerings in Hobart’s CBD after Federal Government restrictions forced many local cafes and restaurants to close or reduce trading hours.

There is also an option to donate a thank you meal – a service that has been a huge hit.

Smoothies, soups, salads and coffees and among the items being delivered three times a day to the reception areas of the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Tasmania Police building and the Vodafone building, which houses Department of Health and Human Services workers.

People can donate a meal worth $10-$100 and can choose who they would like it to be delivered to, with the option of leaving a thank you note.

Some choose to send meals to specific people or specific workplaces while others are happy for their donation to be distributed at random.

Collide Wholefoods owner Millie Pardoe, left, and Criterion Street Cafe owner Bec Sinclair are providing emergency and health care workers with healthy lunch orders in Hobart. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Collide Wholefoods owner Millie Pardoe said it was great to see such wonderful community spirit during a tough time.

“It’s just been overwhelming,” she said.

“We’ve had some beautiful notes come through already, there have been a couple of moments where there have been a few little tears.

“I think a lot of us want to say ‘thank you’ but we don’t know how.

“So this gives people a way to do that.

“It’s just been lovely.”

She said many people had donated, despite their own financial insecurities.

“Last week, we had a man donate $100 to the emergency ward of the Royal and to the paramedics,” Ms Pardoe said.

“He recently suffered a stroke and those departments had helped him. He said he owed them his life.

“This is a man who didn’t know when his next pay cheque was coming in, let alone if he had a job to go back to at the end of the week. This kindness and generosity just highlights how selfless our beautiful community is.”

To donate a meal visit collidewholefoods.com.au/delivery

MESSAGES OF THANKS

“Keep eating well and keep safe. You are doing an amazing job!”

“Hey thanks so much for everything that you are doing. I’m on a disability pension so I can’t afford much but I just wanted you to know that we truly value what you are doing. Thank You.”

“Thank you to all my colleagues. Together we are strong.”

“Thank you for keeping everybody safe, we appreciate you!!”

“Appreciate all that you do.”

“Thank you for everything you do for the community every day.”

“Please direct to Ambulance Tas/RHH Emergency staff. I was a stroke patient last June, can never thank you all enough.”

“Thank you for working so hard and helping to keep everyone safe.”