WITH home isolation, social distancing and the unprecedented changes to our daily lives, Australians' can-do attitude and commitment to helping others has also come to the fore.
In the past few months many have pledged to fundraise for charities - to help everyone from breast cancer patients to people living with dementia - through runs, walks and morning teas.
While new COVID-19 guidelines mean many "physical" events have had to be cancelled or postponed, there is now a swathe of innovative virtual events which can be completed anywhere - from your bedroom to your backyard.
Do it for mum
The Women in Super Mother's Day Classic fun run and walk - to be held in around 100 locations across Australia - has now gone virutal to raising vital funds for breast cancer research.
MDC Virtual 2020 participants are challenged to walk or run 4km - anytime, anywhere, in their living room, at the local park or even in th backyard - on or before Mother's Day on May 10.
The program will also include community and fundraising content, photo and dancing competitions plus fitness videos. There are also wellness tips and tutorials, pilates and yoga classes, prizes and a kids' activity zone.
Mother's Day Classic Foundation chief executive Zara Lawless urged Australians to embrace the immediate challenges and contribute in a different way.
"We understand the current crisis has created significant challenges for the wider community," she said. "We know that so many of our dedicated supporters..still want a way to be connected with the cause and connected with each other on Mother's Day."
Put the kettle on
Cancer Council is urging supporters to put the kettle on for the virtual Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event in May or June.
Aussies are being urged to reconnect by hosting a virtual morning tea from the comfort of your own home, via video chat.
"Your support during this time is more important than ever for communities impacted by cancer, so get your friends, neighbours, family or colleagues together over video chat and raise a cuppa and vital funds," said Cancer Council NSW Campaign Unit Manager Adelaide Thompson.
She said hosting a virtual Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event is not only a way to raise funds for those in need but is also an opportunity to stay connected with those you may not have seen for a while.
"Every cuppa poured, and every dollar raised enables Cancer Council to continue investing in lifesaving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs," she said.
Don't throw in the towel
Another fundraising challenge which can be done any time, anywhere, is the Towel Challenge.
Created by Australian Survivor All-Stars Lee Carseldine and winner David Genat the unique challenge raises vital awareness and funds for stroke.
The concept is simple, donate or grab a towel and take a photo (however you'd like to wear it), post it onto Instagram in black and white, with #towelchallenge. Then nominate your friends and family to join the challenge.
Almost $40,000 has already been raised to support Stroke Foundation's research program with the goal of raising $77,000.
Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said she had been overwhelmed by the support for the Towel Challenge.
"Lee Carseldine knows only too well the heartbreaking impact this disease can have on families. His mother passed away last year while he was filming Australian Survivor All-Stars and his father had a stroke 13 years ago and requires ongoing care.
"I commend Lee for his determination to turn his personal tragedy into something positive by shining the spotlight on stroke with the help of his castmates - and now the greater community."
Take steps for dementia
The team at The Senior - along with thousands around Australia - have been in training for the Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog.
The Senior crew were due to head to the Hunter event in Lake Macquarie on May 31 - one of several Memory Walk & Jog events which have been adapted in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers have decided to make the events 'virtual' to comply with the social distancing rules now in place. Instead of getting together in one place, participants are being urged to track their steps as they complete exercise on their own, or with another person.
They can choose to walk, jog or run the kilometres they were already going to take on or alternatively change it up with a jog round the block or running on the spot in the backyard. Participants are still being asked to follow social distancing guidelines.
The Memory Walk and Jog May dates are: Melbourne, May 3; Geelong, May 17; Sydney, May 24; Hunter, May 31.