When these catastrophic bushfires passed through the state of Victoria earlier this year, many Victorians were suddenly faced with urgent need for emergency accommodation and care. In the midst of this crazy time, Chris Mansour opened the doors to OneWay Lebanese Bakery located in Melbourne. He opened his doors to evacuees and SES volunteers needing shelter. These actions reflect a deep devotion to his community. He brings with him a deeply personal affinity for Australia, which he proudly considers home after escaping civil war in Lebanon almost 20 years ago.
Originally from the US, Chris Mansour came to Australia in 2006. He was forced to flee his home country at a day’s notice due to the articular tragedy. This traumatic experience has deeply influenced his life and continues to inspire him today. He knows what kindness looks like in dark days, having first sought refuge relying on the giving of strangers while escaping the war himself.
“I know what you’re going through is very hard,” Mansour said, expressing empathy for those affected by the fires. His bakery quickly became a sanctuary, providing food and community to the over 125,000 people left homeless by the devastation. In a heartfelt social media post, he invited anyone affected by the fires to seek shelter at his establishment, stating, “To anyone affected by the fires across Melbourne: Oneway Lebanese Bakery is open as a safe shelter for up to 50 people.”
Mansour’s launch was about more than just delivering groceries. He wanted to build a place where people could experience peace in the midst of uncertainty. He provided “free food, free drinks, phone charging, and a cool space to wait it out.” His small-batch, locally-sourced treats made his bakery a rapid success and a beacon for all in the overwhelming time of distress.
His actions struck a chord that rippled across the nation, capturing the imagination of media pundits and everyday citizens. More than 2.2 million people have taken the time to listen to his story online, leading to thousands of emails, calls and messages thanking him for his courage. “It was extremely overwhelming. I didn’t expect any of this to happen,” Mansour reflected on the response he received.
The bushfires ravaged whole communities and survived whole communities in Victoria’s East. Jason Heffernan, a local emergency services leader, noted that the situation was dire: “We were exceeding, in some parts of the state, the threshold that we saw on Black Saturday.” Due to the intense conditions, many evacuees were left with doubt and uncertainty over the futures they had already established.
Mansour’s bakery stepped up to offer life-sustaining nourishment to those affected by the fires. It took on that powerful life-affirming symbol during a time when conversations around migration are often more divisive than ever. His relationship with Australia is deeply personal, as he explained: “I’m indebted to Australia because back in 2006 I was in the same position as the people that are evacuating the fires now.” This dual perspective helps inform his drive to keep delivering resources where they are needed most.
For Mansour, Australia is more than a place — it’s a safe haven and a new world of opportunity. He describes it as “the mother that raised me but didn’t give birth to me,” highlighting the emotional bond he has developed with his adopted home. His concern for humanity is rooted in a deep gratitude for the sanctuary he found when he first arrived in Australia.
In one poignant reflection on his experiences, he said, “I’ll never forget that feeling of comfort knowing someone out there actually cares.” Having lived through adversity himself, Mansour is focused on paying it forward and being that support for others who are suffering the same injustices.
As he spreads goodwill and hope to his community through his bakery, Mansour represents the strength and hope of the human spirit. His story is a testament to what kindness and humanity can accomplish in the face of tragedy.
