A New Crowdfunding Campaign Is Keeping Sydney Hospital Staff Caffeinated During COVID-19

A new crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $7,500 to provide Sydney hospital workers with free coffees, as healthcare staff battle through grueling night shifts during Australia’s coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Buy Them A Coffee campaign, established on Tuesday, is funneling donations to the Short Black Night Shift coffee van so the city’s doctors and nurses can stay caffeinated overnight.

“We are looking to raise funds from our local community to show our support and care as these Healthcare Heroes are on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis,” said campaign founder Kaylie Smith.

“From talking to local Dr’s and Nurses their no 1. ask was for a good coffee to get them through a shift!”

Short Black Night Shift staff say the campaign has already provided free coffees and snacks to staff at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, both of which operate dedicated COVID-19 clinics.

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Hospital staff have expressed their appreciation on social media, thanking donors for the late-night pick-me-ups.

Smith said she is in discussions to extend the campaign to Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, and Wollongong.

As it stands, Australia has tallied 709 confirmed cases of the virus. Six people have died in Australia as a result of the pandemic.

As Australia’s response to the crisis ramps up, so will the need for coffees. The crowdfunding movement is a nice measure in some truly terrible times, in my humble opinion.

If you have come into contact with someone who has the virus, you should self-isolate for 14 days. If symptoms develop you should call your doc or the Australian Government’s National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

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