In an effort to combat the rising disparities within their community, brothers Elie and Charbel Douna have embarked on a noble mission. They have founded a charity organization, SWAG Illawarra, dedicated to providing support to the less fortunate. Operating every alternate Monday evening in Wollongong, this initiative stands as a testament to the brothers’ unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in their community.
Elie Douna, in a heartfelt news post, shed light on the motivations that fuel their initiative. He wrote, “Growing up, Charbel and I were acutely aware of the disparities in our society. We saw people in our community who were struggling, who lacked the basic necessities of life that many of us take for granted. This was a reality that was hard to ignore, and it deeply touched our hearts.”
The Douna brothers embarked on their journey with SWAG Illawarra, firmly believing that they could make a difference. Elie added, “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.”
Charbel Douna shared his brother’s sentiments, underlining the significance of empathy and compassion. He stated, “We believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
The experience of running SWAG Illawarra has been a rewarding one for the brothers. Elie explained, “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.”
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.
Elie Douna concluded, “If you feel moved to help, please consider supporting our cause. Remember, every act of kindness counts, and together, we can make a difference. God bless you all.”