Jackets to refugees: Aust man's mass gift

A Chinese-Australian businessman has donated 100,000 winter jackets to Syrian refugees in Germany.

Henry Ngai, the founder of ABC Tissue Products, which makes Quilton toilet paper, bought the heavy-duty jackets without knowing how to get them to Europe.

His donation has spurred a major logistical effort involving China Southern Airlines, the German government and the German Red Cross to transport the clothing to where it is needed.

At a publicity event in Sydney restaurant on Friday, a member of the German embassy, Lars Olberg, offered his thanks to Mr Ngai.

"We need help to be able to help the people coming to Germany," he said.

Mr Olberg said Germany expected to receive 1.5 million refugees this year and was overwhelmed by the challenge of providing for them.

"As you might know, Germany is well known for its 'ordnung'," he said.

"Everything is properly ordered and we have a plan.

"In this case, we don't have a plan."

Federal government MP Philip Ruddock was at the event and commended Mr Ngai on his philanthropy and contribution to Australian business.