Highlights
- Five acts of kindness that will lift your spirits
- Australians are making individual efforts to reach out to the most vulnerable
- People are distributing free food, grocery kits, sanitizers and some are also offering free counselling
These five Australians and hundreds of others are doing their bit to show the world that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
‘Together we can, together we will’
Melbourne-based Vish Wadhwani, his partner Arian Decrito and housemate Priyadarshi Chowdhary, have banded together to distribute free grocery kits to international students in need.
The trio is distributing a pack of essential food items to students at a time when many have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet.
Melbourne-based Vish Wadhwani is distributing grocery bags to residents in need. Source: Supplied
“We have distributed 12 kits so far. The pack includes long-life milk, breakfast cereal, oats, canned items, cookies, soup, noodles and some ready to eat goodies.
“A majority of people are coming to our place to pick up the stuff, while we are delivering to those who cannot travel, within a two-kilometre radius from our place owing to restrictions in place,” says Mr Wadhwani.
The 28-year-old, who works as a senior talent acquisition consultant says: “If everyone does their part within the community, we will be able to get through this together,” says Mr Wadhwani.
Priyadrashi Chowdhury and Vish Wadhwani Source: Supplied
‘Don’t sleep on an empty stomach’
Melbourne-based Dharmesh Adeshara is distributing essential kitchen supplies to all those in need.
Spreading the word on Facebook, the 44-year-old wrote, “I was taught growing up that where one person eats; two can eat too. We have to be more grateful and less selfish in these times of crisis.”
Ever since he posted this message on social media, Mr Adeshara says he has received an overwhelming response, particularly from international students.
He insists he does not want any publicity and is just doing what he thinks is the “need of the day.”
“I don’t want any publicity out of this. But if it helps to lift their spirits, I am ready to share what little we are doing for those in need.
“There are so many people, particularly international students who don’t have enough to eat. Even if I can reach out to a few, I will consider it a job well done,” says Mr Adeshara.
‘Sharing what you have with others’
Mandeep Singh, who works as a production manager at a company that manufactures ingredients used in making sanitizers, has put up a can full of sanitizer outside his home in south-east Melbourne.
He says his social media page is flooded with messages from people in need of the disinfectant, ever since he put up a post on Facebook, saying “Everyone is welcome to take as much as they want, for free. Just bring your own bottles.”
Man filling sanitizer in a bottle outside Mandeep Singh's house. Source: Supplied
“My religion, Sikhism has taught to share and care for the vulnerable and I am just following what we have learnt since childhood,” says Mr Singh.
‘Identify the most vulnerable and help them first’
Certified migration agent, Jujhar Bajwa, is also doing his bit helping with financial aid packages for international students and their families, facing job loss and significant financial hardships.
Jujhar Bajwa, migration consultant Source: Supplied
“This is the need of the hour. International students are most vulnerable among temporary visa holders in Australia as they are not getting any help from the government.
“We are also offering a free visa consultation to those who are most affected, depending on their circumstances, on a case by case basis,” says Mr Bajwa.
‘I will be there for you’
Raghav Gupta, a professional conference organiser says he believes in keeping things simple - “I am there for you.”
“I have put up a message on social media saying anyone who needs any kind of help or just a friend to talk to get through these unprecedented times, they are welcome to give me a shout out and I will revert to their call,” says Mr Gupta.
He adds that “sometimes, all you need is a friend to talk to help you tide through the tough times.”
Raghav Gupta Source: Supplied
“People are offering food, money, ration, but most people just need a friend, so that’s what I am offering and have also asked my friends to join the effort,” says Mr Gupta.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should call to seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also call to seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor, don’t visit. Or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
