Coins for kebabs: Mustafa Hassani’s experience of being homeless three years after his arrival in Australia has led to him co-ordinating a fundraising campaign for Kyabram people experiencing hardship. The Kyabram Kebab owner is donating $1 from every kebab he sells during June and July to the cause.
Before he was a teeanger Mustafa Hassani was forced from his war-torn home in Afghanistan and travelled across the globe to start a new life in Australia.
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His family relied heavily on the support of others to gain its footing “down under” and things did not always go smoothly for the recently turned Kyabram small businessman.
In fact, for about three months while he was living in Brisbane he was homeless — explaining how he sought the refuge of bridges for cover during a dark time in his life.
It was this experience that inspired him, just three months after opening the doors of his Allan St Kyabram Kebab business, to launch an appeal for Kyabram’s homeless.
He hopes to raise $5000 and will use the money to support people with IGA supermarket vouchers to help them during the winter cold.
The appeal started on June 1, with $1 from every kebab sold at the business between now and July 31, being deposited into specially marked money boxes.
“For me it was really difficult to forget about what had happened at home (Afghanistan). Because of what happened at home I struggled to find my feet,” Mustafa said.
“Since I opened the business I have seen people who are struggling and because of the way Kyabram has embraced me I wanted to do somethng for the community.
“People have supported me since day one, so if I can ease the pain of people during the cold winter I will.”
The generous take-away owner said people needed to learn how to give back, not just put everything in their pocket.
He cited the invitation of Kyabram District Health Service to cater for a staff lunch as an example of how he had felt embraced by his new home.
“We recently made kebabs for 180 people and the hospital chose me. They could have chosen anyone and I considered it to be a pleasure to help out and serve them,” he said.
Mustafa said he would be using the gold coins to purchase vouchers and would live stream the opening of the coin tins on Facebook to show his appreciation to the community and share the giving experience with the Kyabram community.
“I plan to give those people who need them each a $200 gift card to the IGA,” he said.
“I decided to do it now because winter is here and it is a difficult period for homeless people.”
The business operates seven days a week, from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and until 10pm on weekends.
Community spirit: Mustafa Hassani is hoping his decision to start a fundraiser for Kyabram’s homeless will repay the welcome he has received from the community since opening his Kyabram Kebab business three months ago. Recently he and staff member Ezat (pictured with KDHS chief executive officer Anne McEvoy) catered for 180 staff at a Kyabram District Health Service lunch.
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