As fires raged across Victoria and Melbourne, Chris Mansour, who owns OneWay Lebanese Bakery in Lalor, has opened his doors to provide food and shelter for evacuees and SES volunteers.

Speaking with SBS News Chris said the move wasn’t about charity, it was about repayment.

“I’m indebted to Australia because back in 2006 I was in the same position as the people that are evacuating the fires now,” he said.

“I know what it’s like to have nothing. I know what it’s like when you have to leave everything that you’ve had behind you.”

Chris said when Australian authorities evacuated him and his family from Lebanon, they were given refuge and care.

“They gave us shelter. They gave us food. They gave us drinks. They gave us everything we needed at the time,” he said.

“I’ll never forget that feeling of comfort knowing someone out there actually cares.”

In early January bushfires swept across Victoria. More than 400,000 hectares of land were burned, while 900 buildings and more than 250 homes were destroyed – and one cattle farmer was killed. On January 9 and 10, when the fires were at their peak, several major fires were burning simultaneously, with more than 100 separate fire-affected areas recorded.

As the fires spread, Chris posted, “To anyone affected by the fires across Melbourne: OneWay Lebanese Bakery is open as a safe  shelter for up to 50 people”. on Facebook on January 9.

“Free food and drinks. Phone charging. A cool space to wait it out.”

The response was immediate, with more than 2.2 million views, emails, calls, messages and Google reviews.

Chris said he had put the offer out there in the hopes it would reach someone who needed it.

“I think it gave them that feeling that I wanted to pass on – even without them coming to the shop they felt that someone out there cares for them,” he said.