There’s nothing better than snuggling up under a blanket on a cold winter’s day – but for some people, this creature comfort is out of reach.
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An eight-year-old Aurora Southern Highlands Steiner School student is doing something to change this.
Luca Fidler, from Wingello, is collecting blankets and sleeping bags for people who are homeless. He started a collection at his school, and his mother and Snax on Trax mobile cafe co-owner Simona Angeli posted a call-out on social media.
Mrs Angeli said Luca had the support of the school and the Southern Highlands community immediately.
“He wanted to do something for the homeless. He asked his principal, who was on board straight away. The parents were on board too,” she said. Mrs Angeli said she wanted to instill a sense of respect for the homeless in Luca from a young age.
“We do a lot of voluntary work with the homeless. We started out by helping at Wentworth Park [in Sydney] and we went a few times, then we helped out a lot at Martin Place,” she said.
“We’ve talked to homeless people many times. So he knows they’re good people and something’s just gone wrong in their life.” Mrs Angeli said this was a lesson Luca embraced wholeheartedly.
“We do these things all the time. He’s learned you need to help other people.
“He dreams of one day buying a house for all of the homeless people to live in, but he doesn’t realise how many there are.
“You’ve got a little boy with a big heart trying to do a big job. Let’s help him so his wish comes true.”
On Sunday, July 1 Snax on Trax mobile cafe will go to Sydney to deliver the blankets and sleeping bags to homeless people.
During the last three weeks the cafe has had a tip jar out and has collected $178.50 in tips.
The business will continue to collect tips for the project until July 1. The money will go towards purchasing more blankets and sleeping bags.
People can drop blankets and sleeping bags off at three collection points, including Equilibrium Bowral, the Wingello Village Store and the Moss Vale Aquatic Centre. You can also message the Snax on Trax Facebook page to make a donation. The donations can be second-hand as long as they are clean and in good condition.