Now more than ever, we have to stick together as a state to get through the coronavirus pandemic.

This is why the Mercury is launching the #togetherfortassie campaign.

Alongside our news coverage we want to help unite the state during this crisis by providing practical support and advice, celebrating frontline workers, assisting businesses and helping to maintain community spirit in a time of isolation.

SUPPORT LOCAL

Tasmanian small businesses are hurting because of the current health crisis.

We will be sharing ideas and initiatives to help them stay afloat during this tough time.

It might be as simple as buying a voucher, ordering takeaway from your favourite restaurant or making purchases online.

While we are social distancing, it doesn’t we mean have to stay indoors all the time. You can still get out and splash a little cash.

If you have a story of kindness, caring idea or know a Tasmanian doing good deeds, please get in touch with us on Facebook or use the hashtag #togetherfortassie on social media.

The other #togetherfortassie categories:

KINDNESS PANDEMIC

LIVE LOUNGE

DRIVE-THROUGH EASTER TREATS

JOHN Zito is assuring children the Easter bunny will find a way to visit during self-isolation.

The Nutpatch Chocolates owner said he was bringing his long-time love for chocolate to families with a new drive-through service.

“There’s got to be a little bit of sunshine and hope somewhere,” he said.

The business has set up phone orders and deliveries, allowing customers to park outside as staff bring sweet treats to their back seat.

Mr Zito said he would continue employing his staff and allowing them extra sick leave.

The shop owner, who has a damaged left lung and an immunodeficiency, said he implemented strict rules on site, including banning hugging and kissing.

“I’m Italian, do you know how hard that is?” he said

He said he had heard “horrific” stories from friends and family in Italy.

“It just makes you cry,” he said.

“My cousin who works in an (aged care) home said she can’t get any masks.”

He said he ordered and sent 100 masks to Italy for her, costing him an “arm and a leg”.

He said he remained hopeful communities and businesses would rally together through the crisis.

“A pharmacist who read about our supply shortages on Facebook came with a bag of hand sanitiser and spray, without asking for any money,” he said.

“That touched my heart.”

Nutpatch Chocolates accepts phone orders between 9-10am and 3-4pm on 0428 870 891, with customers asked to call or text the number once they arrive at the car park.

– ANNIE MCCANN

REFUGEES’ SOUP SOOTHES THE SOUL

FORMER refugees are selling soup to soothe locals, with customers deciding for themselves how much they pay for the healthy meal.

Social enterprise Zafira has served fresh Afghan food from its garden for more than two years in Gormanston Rd, Moonah.

Owner Kirsten Singleton said she wanted to lift the spirits of scared staff and stressed locals.

“People everywhere are going crazy, so I thought soup is something really soothing that everyone can have,” she said.

She said customers were grateful and surprised when asked how much they would like to pay.

She said donations varied from $1 to $10, with one regular customer offering vegetables to the workers in exchange for a cup.

“Our regular customers have been amazing,” she said.

“We want to show people it’s a time to give, not a time to start taking from everyone.”

Zafira cook Feyzieh Ghorbani has self-isolated from all staff and customers to stay healthy enough to work, Ms Singleton said.

“Her daughter is in Kabul, so it’s not just about people here having an income, but people who need it in other countries,” she said.

As Zafira and other cafes prepare for possible closures, Ms Singleton said her staff was now sewing and selling reusable face masks, with orders exceeding 6000 only two days after the announcement.

“We’re pretty determined to keep going,” she said.

“A lot of my staff are resilient and strong.

“They’ve been through far worse than this.”

– ANNIE MCCANN

#IVOUCHFORYOU

LAUNCESTON’S Naomi Will is doing her bit to help small Tasmanian businesses, despite having little faith her own events business will survive the virus pandemic.

Mrs Will is championing the #IVouchForYou movement, which aims to help small businesses that rely on face-to-face contact retain some income in the face of the current crisis.

“#IVouchForYou is simple,” she said.

“Buy something that doesn’t need to be used now from a local business, like a gift voucher, and give it to a friend or relative.

“Then go online and talk about what you’ve bought, why you chose that business and who you’ve given it to – then challenge others to do the same.”

“HAMLET HAMPERS” BRING TASTY GOODS TO HOBART’S VULNERABLE

Mrs Will said the more people that take up the challenge, the better supported local businesses will be.

“Not only does this mean money in the tills for local operators, it helps with social distancing.”

Alex Johnston from Win News tweeted the idea and Helen Shield from ABC came up with the name.

“It really resonated with me,” Mrs Will said.

“Already #IVouchForYou is gaining momentum. I’ve been contacted by people in the UK and New Zealand asking for help to set up the movement in their countries.”

Mrs will said she knew from experience how badly coronavirus was hurting local businesses.

Her conference, event and destination management businesses EventSphere has lost all of its bookings for 2020.

“I went from an overflowing 2020 calendar two weeks ago to nothing. We’re all in this together and we need to do everything we can to help.”

– PATRICK GEE

If you have a story of kindness, caring idea or know a Tasmanian doing good deeds, please get in touch with us on Facebook or use the hashtag #togetherfortassie on social media.