Yas Matbouly's globetrotting career includes a stint working with Dolce & Gabbana but he has found true satisfaction in a decidedly less glamourous role.
Mr Matbouly (Class of 2015) is the Founder and President of Serving Our People, a charity that offers free delivery services and runs Queensland’s first free supermarket at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast.
He is the recipient of Bond University's 2023 Community Achievement Award.
The former marketing, events and finance executive launched the charity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has since grown to support victims of natural disasters and those suffering from the cost of living crisis.
So far the charity - established with help from friends Mr Matbouly met at Bond - has assisted more than 61,000 people.
“We are a bit like an Uber eats for people who are in need except we don't just deliver meals, we deliver everything,” Mr Matbouly said.
“It came at the right time because we are going through a rising cost of living and we are seeing the numbers (of people we assist) increase.
“I believe there were about 250 homeless friends on the Gold Coast six months ago but there are almost 4000 now.
“A couple of young children came to us the other day, two brothers in their school uniforms, and they hadn’t had dinner the night before or breakfast that morning and they asked us to help them out.”
Serving Our People supports hundreds of fellow charities across Queensland and northern New South Wales to achieve their missions.
It provides food, clothing, furniture, and medication to those who would otherwise go without.
The charity's free supermarket has been a lifeline for many people experiencing hardship and Mr Matbouly hopes to open new branches soon.
Mr Matbouly said working in the not-for-profit sector had transformed his life.
“It’s a very different world and not for the faint-hearted,” he said.
“You come across people from all walks of life in some of their most difficult situations.
“You always have to remain positive because the only thing driving you is ensuring you are making a positive difference, no matter how small or big.”
Mr Matbouly graduated from Bond University with a Master of Business Administration (Corporate).