A YEAR 7 Sorrento student is on a mission to improve the quality of life of the homeless people of Perth.
Four years ago, then eight-year-old Vincent Pettinicchio wanted to reach out to the homeless and give them packs containing toiletries and comfort items.
Since then, he has helped 2230 people, with the project continuing this year.
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READ NOWVincent said he was inspired to start his project when he saw many homeless people while walking around the city with his grandparents.
“People are homeless for different reasons,” he said.
“They could be sick and unsure of how or where to get help.
“Others may have to leave home because of bad situations.
“It does not matter what the reason is, these people need help.”
The two-day packing event at Sacred Heart College saw 112 parents and volunteers and 169 students create 1720 bags to donate to 21 different charities.
Throughout the year, 18 other schools from around Perth also helped by packing bags, counting items, writing tags saying “just to let you know that someone cares” or donating items.
Kmart, Coles and Wesfarmers are also on-board, discounting and donating goods.
Rachel Marsh from the Perth Inner City Youth Services, who received 100 bags, said the initiative had positive impacts “in a practical sense as well as from a humanitarian stance, where the young people sense that people in the community really do care”.
Ray Price from Holy Spirit of Freedom said he was appreciative of the generosity, particularly during the hard winter months.
Vincent’s project will continue in 2018.
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