Former ice addict shows true act of gratitude by cooking 25 meals and distributing them to homeless

IT was a turning point for Zakh Hussein when he “felt his heart turn black” and believed he was about to die. After kicking his ice habit, he started cooking for the homeless.

Zakh Hussein decided to cook and give food to the homeless instead of going out, with the meals shown inset. Picture: Robert Pozo

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IT WAS a turning point for former ice addict Zakh Hussein when he “felt his heart turn black” and was about to die.

The 22-year-old from Kings Park was in a moment of despair when he called his family to say his goodbye.

Kings Park local, Zakh Hussein, turns his life around.

“It scared the absolute s--t out of me,” he said.

“My heart wasn’t just racing, it felt like my heart went black. I thought that’s it, I was going to die.

“I called my mum and told her I was going to die … it’s hard to explain but it just went dark.”

But Mr Hussein is starting to pick up the pieces despite having his life torn apart by drugs, which left him on the verge of becoming homeless.

After starting a new job, Mr Hussein did not hesitate to help those less fortunate.

“It was my first week of work and I got my first pay,” he said.

“The weekend before I had gone out clubbing with a few friends and I spent something ridiculous on absolutely nothing really, just to make myself feel crap the next day.

“So I really wanted to do something different to help others.”

With $67 in his pocket, Mr Hussein went to the grocery store and prepared to cook food for the homeless.

Mr Hussein spent over $90 buying groceries to feed the homeless.

He cooked 25 meals and packaged the spaghetti bolognese in containers, each with a message of hope written on the bottom.

“Originally I was just going to get cans of tuna to give out, but it was cold and I thought I’d make them a warm meal,” he said.

Mr Hussein cooked spaghetti bolognese for 25 people and packed them in containers, each with a message of hope written on the bottom.

Despite being initially nervous about heading into the Sydney CBD to hand out the food, the first response “made it all worth it”.

“One lady, she kissed my hand and was so grateful. I can’t explain it, the feeling that you get is a whole other feeling from doing good,” Mr Hussein said.

The 22-year-old encourages others to “just go and do it” and help others.

“After that the rest of it (handing out the food) was so easy, it was a piece of cake after that. They were so thankful.”

Mr Hussein hopes to do it again in the future and recommends others follow suit.

“I was stoked, I was really stoked when I was going back home … I can’t even explain how good you feel knowing you’re helping someone else,” he said.

“If you’re going to help someone just go and do it.”

DoSomething Day on July 19 is an initiative of NewsLocal newspapers, ClubsNSW and DoSomething Near You to promote volunteering, highlight charity work and inspire random acts of kindness.

Find out more on the DoSomething Day website.

WHAT IS DO SOMETHING DAY?

Do Something Day on July 19 is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals. It seeks to inspire people to make a difference and give back by volunteering, making a donation or carrying out a simple random act of kindness.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

There are endless ways you can help others - and you don’t need to wait until Dosomething Day to start. However, as July 19 is the focal point of this celebration, it would be great to turn your attention to it on that day. Let the “kind-o-miser” generate a kind deed sugestion for you to do. Try our Do Something Day Quiz which will help match you with a charity that reflects your ideals.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Tweet, Instagram or Facebook a picture that captures the spirit of kindness and generosity on Do Something Day - and use the hashtags #dosomethingday and #giveyourbest. It could be a picture of a volunteers at charity you are already involved with. It could be a picture acknowleding someone in your community who selflessly works for others. It could be a snap of the nice person who serves your coffee every day with a smile. so many ways to to acknowledge the kindness in our community.