A community-minded Uniformed Public Services student at Stratford-upon-Avon College is playing a major role in a project to help the homeless.
Luca Buratti, 19 from Stratford-upon-Avon, is 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. As Project Leader, Luca is using his impressive organisational skills to oversee ShelterBus, including securing the bus itself and liaising with the council for permission to run the scheme.
Public spirited 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. Commenting on receiving the honour, Luca said at the time “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.”
Luca has already organised several Rotary fund-raising charity events, including for the Alzheimer’s Society, Blood Bikes and Warwickshire Hearts. And as though his work on behalf of the Rotary Club of Birmingham Breakfast was not enough, he also serves as the Scout Association’s District Youth Commissioner for Stratford-upon-Avon.
Luca had this to say about his work for Rotary Shelterbus: “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.”
He has this 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.”
If you are interested in learning more about Rotary ShelterBus, volunteering or donating, please visit rotaryshelterbus.co.uk.
