A donated Toyota HiAce camper is helping a Brisbane barber take his mission to support people experiencing homelessness beyond the city streets and along Australia’s East Coast.
Qendrim Rasiti, the 29-year-old founder of Rasiti Roots, has attracted millions of viewers online by offering free haircuts, clothing and meals to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Until now, Qendrim has largely carried out his community work on foot, carrying his barbering equipment and supplies in a backpack. But a generous donation from Sydney businessman Jay King has given him a new way to reach people in need.
Jay, Managing Director of Aus J Hot Water Solutions, was inspired after watching Qendrim’s work on A Current Affairand decided to donate his personally converted Toyota HiAce camper.
“I was absolutely amazed when I saw Qendrim on TV walking the streets of Brisbane and respectfully approaching people who looked like they might be doing it tough, offering them a haircut and a chance to feel good about themselves,” Jay said.
“You could see the transformations taking place in people of all ages and all walks of life – often, he helped them see themselves and their self-worth in a new way through a simple act of human empathy.”
A HiAce with a new purpose
The converted Toyota HiAce includes sleeping accommodation, hot water for hygiene and grooming, and storage space for barbering equipment, clothing and essential supplies.
It’s a practical example of how a commercial vehicle can be repurposed to support community services and make a meaningful difference.
Jay flew Qendrim to Sydney to hand over the vehicle, which will allow him to travel further and spend more time helping people along the East Coast.
For Qendrim, the HiAce represents much more than transport. It’s an opportunity to expand an initiative that started with a simple haircut in a Brisbane park.
“I believe everyone has a story worth listening to,” Qendrim said.
“Right now, I’m taking to the road part-time to help anyone in need, focusing heavily on the homeless community – people who deserve dignity, care, and connection more than anyone.”
More than just a haircut
Through Rasiti Roots, Qendrim uses barbering as a way to connect with people who are often overlooked.
His videos on TikTok and Instagram have reached millions of viewers, and in some cases have even helped reconnect families with loved ones experiencing homelessness.
“Once a daughter reached out to me after seeing her father on one of the videos. She had no idea if he was dead, alive, in prison, or where he was in the world. Being able to bring them back together and reconnect that family was one of the best feelings I have had on this journey of service,” Qendrim said.
His long-term ambition is to establish a foundation that helps people reconnect with family, find employment and rebuild their lives.
For now, the donated HiAce is helping turn his dream of taking Rasiti Roots on the road into reality.
“Another dream, until recently, was to take my mission on the road, supporting people down the East Coast of Australia who are affected by homelessness,” Qendrim said.
“Now, thanks to the generosity of Jay, that journey can begin.”
It’s a reminder that the value of a commercial vehicle isn’t always measured in kilometres travelled or loads carried. Sometimes, it’s measured in the lives it helps change.
