'It's a time to serve humanity': Businesses offer free services to COVID-19 first responders

If you are a first responder in need of clean clothes or a thoroughly sanitized car during this COVID-19 pandemic, some Alberta businesses have you covered.

Imran Rajpoot, who owns Dolphin Dry Cleaners in Calgary, is among the many business owners who have opened their wallets and hearts during the outbreak.

"There is a time and a place for everything," said Rajpoot.
 
"It's not really a time to make profit, it's a time to serve humanity."

• WATCH two Alberta businesses explain why they wanted to help during COVID-19 in the video at the top of this story.

He's talking about the costs he is donating to dry clean or launder clothes for health-care workers during a global pandemic.

Rajpoot says there is no limit.

"Unlimited. As much as they need, we are here for them," he said.
 
Rajpoot's stores are using longer cleaning times and hotter water to make the cleaning more effective.
 
He says so far about 100 people have called to say thanks, and 300 first responders have taken advantage of the service.

And why would you want to dress up in clean clothes and then hop in a dirty car?

Now you don't have to, if you are a first responder in the Cochrane area, thanks to the Toyota dealer in that town.
 
"We will pick up their vehicle, bring it here. Sanitize it inside and out and we have an ozone machine that will kill any extra viruses in the car," general manager Ryan Baum told CBC News.
 
And their offer includes police and firefighters.
 
"Anyone that is putting themselves in danger right now for our safety," he said.

• If you've got a business that's offering free services to front-line workers during the pandemic, you can share that information in the comments section below.