Heroes make us smile in crisis

Tassie app links good Samaritans to people in need

SELFLESS acts are being carried out worldwide during the coronavirus crisis — thanks to an app created by a group of mates.

Crisis Heroes is an app developed by three friends — two of them Tasmanian — who saw a need to provide a platform for people to do good deeds.

One of the co-founders, Hobart’s Mark Acheson, was in the United States in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he was able to return to Tasmania as the situation worsened.

While in quarantine, he and co-founders Matthew Platts and Nicholas Hoban worked to get the app developed when they realised there was nothing quite like it available.

“We saw a need for a platform that could link and inspire everyday people to help those in need,’’ Mr Acheson said. “Within five days we had Crisis Heroes up and running.”

Mr Acheson said the group had been blown away by the response, with 1400 people signed up to the app.

Most are in Australia, but some users registered are from the UK, USA, Africa,

France and Hungary. Users on the platform can request or offer help with tasks like getting groceries or walking their dog.

One of them is Bianca Dunham, who lives in Tasmania’s North-West. The 25year-old nurse, who works at the North West Regional Hospital, signed up to help people out. But while in quarantine due to a coronavirus outbreak in the region, she found herself in need.

“I signed up to help someone out to be that Crisis Hero, but because of what happened on the North West Coast with the hospital closing, I had to go into isolation myself for two weeks, and the tables turned a little bit,’’ she said.

“I wanted some peanut butter and put a request on there, and a lady named Alana picked it up for me and dropped it at my letterbox.

“When I went out to collect, she had bought me a few extra goodies, some chocolate, tea, berries and flowers.

“I was so overwhelmed with such a kind act that she had done for me.

“I think it’s such a powerful platform that can bring communities together even during these tough social distancing times.”

Picture: SUPPLIED TABLE TURNED: Nurse Bianca Dunham signed up to help out, but then had her spirits lifted when a kind stranger brought her items while she was in quarantine.