As the sun sets over Wollongong, a different kind of light begins to shine on Burelli Street. Every second Monday, a group of dedicated volunteers gather to bring warmth and sustenance to those who need it most. This is the heart of SWAG Illawarra, a charity that has made it its mission to feed the homeless and less fortunate in the community.

The initiative, founded by brothers Elie and Charbel Douna, is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference. “We saw people in our community who were struggling, who didn’t have the basic necessities of life that many of us take for granted,” Elie Douna shares. “It was a reality that was hard to ignore, and it touched our hearts deeply.”

The evening I spent with the SWAG Illawarra team was a testament to the power of community and compassion. Volunteers, many of whom have day jobs, dedicate their time and energy to prepare and distribute meals. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, as everyone works together to ensure that no one goes hungry.

What’s remarkable is that most of the food distributed by SWAG Illawarra is donated by local businesses. This generosity not only sustains the charity’s operations but also strengthens the sense of community. It’s a powerful reminder that when we reach out to help others, we are not just giving; we are also receiving.

“We believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone’s life,” says Elie Douna. This ethos is palpable in the work of SWAG Illawarra. Each meal served, each smile shared, each conversation held, contributes to a larger narrative of compassion and community.

As the evening winds down, the impact of SWAG Illawarra’s work is evident. The gratitude in the eyes of those who have been fed, the satisfaction among the volunteers, and the sense of community that has been fostered are all testaments to the difference that this initiative is making.

SWAG Illawarra is more than just a charity feeding the homeless; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of community, and a reminder of the difference that compassion can make. As Elie Douna puts it, “We receive the joy of seeing someone else’s life improve, the satisfaction of knowing we’ve made a difference, and the blessing of being able to serve others.”

As I left Burelli Street that night, I carried with me a renewed sense of hope and a deep admiration for the work of SWAG Illawarra. It’s a reminder that in the heart of Wollongong,, compassion has a meeting place.

If you would like to assist with SWAG Illawarra and this initiative from the Douna Brothers, you can get in touch with them through the SWAG Illawarra Instagram page.