September 29, 2014 (Jackson) The Red Bus Project is coming to the campus of Belhaven University on October 1 for its national tour. The British double-decker-bus-turned-rolling-thrift-store is traveling across the country raising support and awareness for orphans around the world. Belhaven students will have an opportunity to learn about the needs of orphans, become involved, shop for clothes and help provide families for waiting orphans.
The bus will be set up at Belhaven's Football Practice Field from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1 andall proceedswill go to support orphan advocacy. Students from Belhaven Community Outreach are already collecting clothing and accessories in boxes that will help restock the bus.
The Red Bus Project was started by a nonprofit advocacy organization in 2012 called Show Hope. The project has raised over $50,000 and reached out to more than 220,000 students, sharing the message of advocating for orphans.
The Red Bus's simple philosophy of finding ways to involve students in their ministry in a personal way has differentiated them from the many other causes and ministries that vie for students' attention and support. “Students really care about making a difference in the world. Sometimes they just need someone to point them in the right direction. The Red Bus Project is a way to lead students toward truly making a huge impact in the global orphan crisis through simple steps of action,” said Chris Wheeler, Show Hope's Director of Student Initiatives.
Belhaven University is only one of many colleges and universities that the bus will be visiting this year. The Red Bus Project has opportunities for student internships and in the future, plans to host events and seminars that encourages students to be actively involved in caring for orphans.