BIG HEART: Domenic Sergi with just some of the letters and photos of people he’s helped across the years. Picture: Anthony Stipo
The photo of Donmart Peniones (left) that set Domenic Sergi on a fundraising crusade to help the boy and (right) after his operation.
HE'D never met him, he didn't even know his name but when he saw a photo of the child who was suffering, all Domenic Sergi knew was he had to help.
The photo of five-year-old Donmart Peniones was taken earlier this year when a group of Griffith people went to the Philippines to install a water tank that Mr Sergi had donated through fundraising efforts and hand out the clothes he had collected.
Donmart had a second brain growing on his forehead but his parents were too poor to get it removed and it was only a matter of time before the growth obscured the young Filipino boy's vision.
After seeing his photo, Mr Sergi spent more hours raising money to get the growth removed and allow the boy see again.
"I didn't like to see him like that but now he's better," Mr Sergi said.
Donmart's surgery is just one of countless other charitable projects the unassuming 91-year-old has headed.
Nede Sergi, who went with the group to the Philippines, said she's never met anyone like Mr Sergi before.
"He's just incredible," she said. "He does so much it's amazing. He changed this little boy's life forever, I just showed him the picture and he wanted to help.
"I've never met someone like him, he just doesn't stop and he's just told me he wants to do another water tank."
Mr Sergi has spent most of his life collecting donations from family, friends and acquaintances to help those less fortunate.
While it is impossible to grasp exactly how much Mr Sergi has done for those in need, folders containing hundreds of letters from all over the world thanking him are testament to his tireless efforts.
And it's not just those across the globe who benefit, Mr Sergi has also raised thousands of dollars for local charities as well the latest a $5000 donation to Can Assist.
"He's got a big heart," daughter Mary Furore said. "He believes that if someone needs help then he should help them."