In a bid to address the growing disparities in their community, brothers Elie and Charbel Douna have launched a charity organization, SWAG Illawarra, aimed at providing support to the less fortunate. The initiative, which operates every second Monday evening in Wollongong, is a testament to the brothers’ commitment to making a difference in their community.
Elie Douna, in a recent blog post, shared the motivations behind their initiative. “Growing up, Charbel and I were always aware of the disparities in our society. 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. It was a reality that was hard to ignore, and it touched our hearts deeply,” he wrote.
The Douna brothers started SWAG Illawarra with the belief that they could make a difference. “We wanted to provide support to those who needed it most, to show them that they were not alone, and that there were people who cared about their well-being,” Elie added.
Charbel Douna echoed his brother’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion. “We believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone’s life,” he said.
The brothers have found the experience of running SWAG Illawarra rewarding. “It has taught us the value of community, the power of faith, and the impact of simple acts of kindness. But most importantly, it has shown us that when we reach out to help others, we are not just giving; we are also receiving. 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,” Elie explained.
The Douna brothers are committed to continuing their work through SWAG Illawarra and are grateful for the opportunity to serve their community. They believe that together, they can create a better world for everyone.
For those interested in supporting their cause, SWAG Illawarra operates every second Monday evening, located just behind the main Wollongong Crown St Mall on Burelli Street. More information can be found on their Instagram page.
