A COMMUNITY-MINDED Stratford College student is urging other young people to do something positive for others.
Luca Buratti is currently project leader of Rotary ShelterBus, an ambitious scheme organised by the Rotary Club of Birmingham Breakfast with the aim of providing practical assistance for the homeless and rough sleepers in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
ShelterBus plans to transform a double-decker bus into a mobile shelter, complete with ten individual sleeping areas, washing and cooking facilities, and even a separate consultation room where counselling or medical care can be given to those in need.
In the longer term, they hope their temporary support base, by working in cooperation with relevant local organisations, will help the homeless find a permanent home.
The 19-year-old Uniformed Public Services student has secured the bus itself and is now liaising with the council for permission to run the project.
Luca said: “This is a fantastic project that will really reduce the problem of homelessness in Birmingham. It’s great to be part of something that will provide such practical help and I’m proud that I was given the job of project leader.”
Stratford resident Luca’s service to the community is long-standing and he was awarded membership of the Rotary Club last year in recognition of his commitment to community projects and tireless charity work.
Luca has already organised several Rotary fund-raising charity events, including for the Alzheimer’s Society, Blood Bikes and Warwickshire Hearts.
He said: “It’s really nice to receive recognition for all the activities I worked on to raise money for charity. I’d love to continue running events for them; I’ve found I’m really quite good at it and it’s very rewarding.”
On top of his work for the Rotary Club of Birmingham Breakfast, he also serves as the Scout Association’s District Youth Commissioner for Stratford.
And Luca had a message for any other young people thinking about getting involved in community events or charity work:
“Go ahead and do it. You’ll provide a great service for others, and it gives you a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and happiness.”
Visit rotaryshelterbus.co.uk to find out more about the ShleterBus project.
