An Australian Idol finalist has joined forces with a Geelong web developer whose toilet paper shortage inspired a website helping those stranded in the coronavirus crisis.
The idea originated when Enterprise Monkey founder Aamir Qutub, like many others, found himself short of toilet paper.
His sister Saba came to his aid with dunny rolls, inspiring him to create a website he calls Angel Next Door.
The website works by connecting neighbours, Aamir explained.
“Plenty of people are doing it tough right now,” he said.
“It’s not just toilet paper – they’re facing challenges with food, groceries, medicines, money, jobs, stress and lots more.”
Aamir said people could register their details privately on the website, then post what help they can offer or what they need.
The website then rallies people living nearby to spring into action based on those requests.
“It might be cooking some take-home dinners or walking the dog, maybe some Panadols, putting out the rubbish bins, gardening or advice on government support,” he said.
Aamir and his team run angelnextdoor.com.au out of Villawood’s Geelong database and he says the website is far more secure than coronavirus assistance efforts on social media.
Over the weekend 2009 Australian Idol finalist Kim Cooper signed up as the ‘face’ of Angel Next Door while caring full-time for her dad John.
The Ocean Grove singer had also been performing for her street from her front porch using a sound system and helping elderly neighbours with their shopping, she said.
“We can’t all save the world right now but we can definitely make a positive difference to our little slice of it.”
She became an ambassador for the website to do more and encourage others to help, she said.
“It can be as simple as cooking a meal or doing a grocery shop for someone in your street who needs a little support. A small gesture can go a long way.”
More than 3000 people have registered with Angel Next Door since the site kicked off at the beginning of this month.
