"Everyone in Sydney is thinking about you guys. If they are not here a piece of them is here in some of these donations. You aren't on your own, you are honestly not, so just know that, people care."
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Charbel Nasser of Oran Park speaks passionately at Taree Showground after driving from Sydney in a ute packed with new goods gifted in a donation drive. Charbel travelled in a convoy of three utes with George Wehbe, Tony Ayoub, Paul Chalhoub and Bruce Missen.
On Wednesday night the men worked to box and load the vehicle trays with personal care items, food, goods for firies, and new household items.
They arrived at Taree Showground around midday Thursday, unloaded at the distribution centre, and then returned home. Charbel says the plan is to try to return again on Sunday with more goods gathered from collection points in Oran Park, Prestons and Gracelands.
Charbel initiated a Facebook campaign to gather donations, sharing it with his friends and family. However, news quickly spread of the donation drive and so he set up three donation points.
"The night before last I was having dinner with my wife and daughter and I thought, we have to do something because from the outside watching this it's just heartbreaking," Charbel said.
"We've got to get involved. We've got to feel it the way you guys are feeling it, even though we are not from here. We've got to help you to get on your feet, and we can't stop until you guys are ready to go.
"How I look at it, and don't take it the wrong way, but when you find injured wildlife and they need help, you've got to care for them until they can go out on their own, and this is what everyone needs to do for people here.
"We live in a country that does so much for us, we have no choice, we have to do something for this country and everyone who lives in it.
"Dad came from Lebanon and they didn't do much for him, and one thing he has always taught us and it's a value at home, is to give as much as you can to this country because if it wasn't for this country you would not be here.
"We live in a country where everyone can rebuild and people will help you to get back on your feet."
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