Austin Perine is on a mission to help the homeless. Like a superhero, Perine is ready to swoop in and help displaced people—and pets too! Incredibly, this little superhero is only five years old.
The five-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama started thinking about the serious issue of homelessness a year ago—at the wise old age of four. After watching an orphaned red panda on TV, Perine asked his father what would happen to the animal. Perine’s dad, T.J., told The Washington Post, “He was fixated on the idea of homelessness and kept asking me questions.”
Along with answering his questions, the dad took his son to see what homelessness really means—first-hand. After seeing homeless people in his home town, the five-year-old donned a superhero cape (that a friend left behind on a play date) and started handing out food to people in need.
For months, the father and son took weekly trips into in-need areas to deliver food to the homeless population, with Austin saying, “Don’t forget to show love,” and “Pay it forward!” to everyone he served. Eventually the Perines’ efforts were noticed, scoring Austin the keys to the cities of Prichard and Mobile, Alabama.
Austin’s efforts have expanded, reaching homeless populations in over a dozen cities, thanks to the support of famous faces such as Steve Harvey, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. The five-year-old continues to wear his superhero cape proudly, helping to feed both people and pets through his Show Love campaign!
—Erica Loop
Featured Photo: President Austin via Instagram
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