Online help network Angel Next Door launched to connect neighbours help each other during lockdown.
An unusual upside to the Aussie toilet paper crisis is proving a saviour for people stranded by the coronavirus shutdown.
Geelong’s Aamir Qutub, like many others, found himself caught short of toilet paper and called his sister, Saba, to see if she could help.
Luckily, she could. It triggered a Eureka moment for the web developer, who threw himself into a website project he’s called Angel Next Door.
Angel Next Door harnesses the goodwill of local neighbourhoods to help people doing it tough in the coronavirus shutdown.
“Aussies are quick to help others in a crisis but, right now, it’s hard to know just who needs help or where to turn when they do,” said Mr Qutub.
“Angel Next Door is helping to fix that with a simple website that offers greater security and privacy than other help sites.
“Plenty of people are doing tough right now. It’s not just toilet paper – they’re facing challenges with food, with groceries, medicines, money, jobs, stress and lots more.
“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.”
Mr Qutub said Angel Next Door was aimed squarely at people keen to help neighbours isolated and unable to access vital services during COVID-19 isolation.
In short, it’s all about community.
“People register their details, and what help they can offer and what help they might need,” says Mr Qutub.
“The nearest neighbours are rallied via the website and then spring into action.
“Simply state what help you can offer and what help you need. Angel Next Door will do the rest.”
Mr Qutub, CEO of web developer Enterprise Monkey, was voted Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2019 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
He is also a member of the Geelong Authority advisory panel to Planning Minister Richard Wynne and digital manager at Australian Sports Technologies Network.
He and his team built Angel Next Door with property developer Villawood Properties in response to the flurry of social media groups trying to help local residents and businesses.
The website has been run out to Villawood’s Geelong database, drawing a rapid response from residents keen to help their neighbours.
Mr Qutub said the website’s privacy security placed it way ahead of other coronavirus assistance efforts on Facebook and social media.
“Angel Next Door is Secure Socket Layers (SSL) Encryption certified, this means your data will be secure and safe from malicious hackers,” he said.
“Identity and
