DoSomething Day ambassador Mohamed Fofanah is helping the charity that helped him get off the streets

SIX years ago Mohamed Fofanah woke every morning asking — where will I sleep tonight? Now a youth worker for Bankstown’s Youth Off the Streets, he is a DoSomething Day ambassador.

Bankstown Youth Off the Streets outreach worker Mohamed Fofanah is an ambassador for this year’s DoSomething Day. Picture: Tim Clapin

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SIX years ago Mohamed Fofanah woke every morning with the question — where will I sleep tonight?

A combination of family issues, depression and drug and alcohol problems meant that at 18, Mr Fofanah found himself homeless.

For two years he slept between crisis accommodation and friend’s couches, a situation that only lowered his self esteem.

“In your head you’ve got to keep going, got to keep going so you don’t hit rock bottom,” Mr Fofanah said.

A piece of driftwood came his way in 2013 when Mr Fofanah successfully applied for a traineeship with Youth of The Streets Bankstown.

Now 26, Mr Fofanah is an ambassador for this year’s DoSomething Day and works for YOTS as a youth worker, giving back to the organisation that helped turn his life around.

DoSomething Day on July 19 is an initiative of NewsLocal newspapers, ClubsNSW and DoSomething Near You to promote volunteering, highlight charity work and inspire random acts of kindness.

Mohamed Fofanah says his experience helps him know “what’s really going on” in at-risk youths’ lives. Picture: Tim Clapin

Mr Fofanah is in a unique position to help youths that have a similar story to his.

“(My history) helps a lot — I know what it feels like,” Mr Fofanah said.

“I don’t tell them, ‘I’ve been there and done that’ but it helps me understand how to communicate with them and know what’s really going on in their lives.”

“I won’t ever be able to repay (YOTS) for helping me ... but it’s just a privilege I can provide that hope to other people.”

“There are always people that need help.”

YOTS is one of the charities supportered by ClubsNSW and highlighted in this year’s DoSomething Day.

ClubsNSW has been involved with YOTS since 2000 and has rallied over $1 million for the organisation over the past 17 years.

Father Chris Reily. Picture: John Appleyard

CEO and founder of YOTS Father Chris Reily said ClubsNSW has helped provide food, activities, youth workers, help with school and referral programs to some of Australia’s most disadvantaged kids.

“Through their generosity we have been able to connect with kids and help them make positive life choices,” Father Reily said.

Read more stories on DoSomething Day here

WHAT IS DO SOMETHING DAY?

Do Something Day on July 19 is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals. It seeks to inspire people to make a difference and give back by volunteering, making a donation or carrying out a simple random act of kindness.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED ?

There are endless ways you can help others - and you don’t need to wait until Dosomething Day to start. However, as July 19 is the focal point of this celebration, it would be great to turn your attention to it on that day. Let the “kind-o-miser” generate a kind deed sugestion for you to do. Try our Do Something Day Quiz which will help match you with a charity that reflects your ideals.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Tweet, Instagram or Facebook a picture that captures the spirit of kindness and generosity on Do Something Day - and use the hashtags #dosomethingday and #giveyourbest. It could be a picture of a volunteers at charity you are already involved with. It could be a picture acknowleding someone in your community who selflessly works for others. It could be a snap of the nice person who serves your coffee every day with a smile. so many ways to to acknowledge the kindness in our community.