The story of Wue, the clochard who cleans Viareggio and helps the poor

Wue is actually called Gian Piero. Everyone knows this clochard by the nickname. And I really know everyone in Viareggio where he lives. He doesn’t have a home: he is a homeless man who spends his days collecting garbage on the street. He pledges to clean his town of him while simultaneously collecting pennies which he uses to buy food parcels for families in need. Pope Francis rewarded him for his commitment on his 86th birthday. He received from the hands of the pontiff the caress prize of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, for the love given by the poor to the poor.

In the past Wue has been cook in hotel chains abroad. Due to health problems she stopped working. Returning to Italy for treatment, he no longer found work and found himself sleeping under a portico in a square in Viareggio. The Italian Red Cross helps him with the Officine della Salute project. Soon he may even have lodgings.

Antonio Cerrai, president of the CRI of Pisa present at the hearing, explained: «Despite being ill and living in a condition of degradation and personal discomfort, his will to help others is great. Even today he cries and gets excited as he seeks the strength within himself to be able to carry on and support people. He is well liked by the city, everyone knows him. Even the children know where to find him and bring him coins».

According to the latest census data, homeless people in Italy amount to just over 96 thousand. Almost 38% are of foreign nationality. The ratio is 212.4 men for every 100 women. In winter, cities put into action anti-cold plans to allow these people to have a sheltered place after sleeping and a hot meal.

– Parental leave: what will change

– Paternity leave: “But why are only mothers interested in it?”

– Which is the country in Europe where women work better?