We’ve reached a point in history that we have never experienced before. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the world to close their doors – and nobody quite knows what to do about it.

A situation like this is difficult to manage. People are out of work, not through choice, but because nowhere can take them on. Nobody is safe – the young, the old, even the experts and professionals who have been forerunners in their industry for years, are all suddenly faced with job loss.

While in many countries, governments are stepping up to provide supplementary income, this isn’t always enough – and it doesn’t always apply to everyone. In Australia, for example, only national citizens currently receive financial support, meaning thousands of temporary visa holders have been left jobless and with a dwindling cash supply.

Unsurprisingly, this is causing panic and upset around the world.

But thanks to the selfless acts of a few amazing individuals, those who have lost faith have been given a new ray of hope.

Pete Darmos, who owns a café in Melbourne, is one of those people.

Like most businesses in Australia, Pete’s café was forced to close to prevent the spread of the virus. This will deeply affect Chris’ business going forward – but he knew he wasn’t one of the worst off. There were people out there who were struggling on a far more serious level, and Pete made it his mission to help.

One of the stories that hit Pete the hardest was about groups of people who were queuing outside social security offices because they had no money for food. And that’s when Pete knew what he had to do: help these people to live safely and comfortably during this trying time.

What Pete did next was truly incredible.

On a day just like any other, he drove to the bank and took out all of the savings he was permitted to withdraw at one time. This equated to $10,000 Australian dollars in cash. He began to hand this money out in the street. $100 here, $100 there. He approached the queuing strangers with his money and gave it over with no hesitation.

He knew that these people needed his cash far more than he did.

Speaking in an interview with 7NEWS Australia, Pete explained the public’s response to his actions. He said:

“I started at the back of the queue and then basically handed everybody a $100 note. There were tears and disbelief. $100 is not a lot of money, but four or five bags of food meant a lot to these people.”

Pete’s contribution will offer temporary support for those who are struggling to buy basic groceries right now.

Pete had first wanted to remain anonymous, but he soon realized that if he identified himself, he could perhaps inspire other people to do the same. He isn’t a millionaire, after all. He’s just a working man who wanted to make a difference.

And make a difference he did.

When other people caught wind of Pete’s generous act, they took his lead and looked for ways to support their own community during the pandemic.

Pete is one of the many inspiring role models to behave selflessly in the face of COVID-19. You can learn more about this incredible story in the video below.

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Source: Good News Network, SBS News, YouTube/ 7NEWS Australia