ABOUT ORANGE SKY

WHOWE ARE.

OUR KAUPAPA

OUR KAUPAPA IS TO POSITIVELY CONNECT COMMUNITIES. ORANGE SKY PROVIDES FREE LAUNDRY, WARM SHOWERS AND GENUINE CONVERSATION TO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH A REGULAR MOBILE SERVICE.

WE CREATE A SAFE, POSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE OFTEN IGNORED OR FEEL DISCONNECTED FROM THEIR COMMUNITY.

 

MEET LUCAS AND NIC

AN IDEA
In 2014, Nic and Lucas – two 20-year-old guys in Brisbane, Australia – converted their old van into a mobile laundry van to help people in their community doing it tough. That van was named Sudsy.

CONVERSATION
It didn’t take Nic and Lucas long to realise that while clean laundry was important, it was the conversation and regular connection that had the greatest impact on the lives of our friends. We wanted to continue providing a space where friends could come and feel connected to their community, so we pull out six orange chairs at every shift to create space for this.

THINKING BIG
After growing our laundry and shower service all over Australia, it was time to look across to Aotearoa and start helping the 41,000 Kiwis who were experiencing homelessness. We kicked off in 2018 and haven’t stopped growing since. We launched in Auckland on World Homelessness Day on October 10th and did our first load of washing for a friend named Mike. The Hugo Charitable Trust supported our first van, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development helped us get set up and keep the van on the road in our first year.

At Orange Sky, we use the term ‘friend’ for people who use our service. We do this because our service is based on connection and trust, much like friendship. We are constantly reminded of the ever-changing face of homelessness. With rising costs of living pushing more Kiwis into hardship, it’s a difficult time for all – but in particular, those who are already doing it tough. 

Our services have a simple formula – providing a platform for everyday people to connect through a regular laundry and shower service. Each week all over Aotearoa, hundreds of volunteers come together to ensure that people experiencing homelessness or hardship have a place to access essential services and build genuine connections. 

After almost five years, we are proud to be running five services out of four different locations in Aotearoa; Whaea Debs and Hugo in Tāmaki Makaurau, Dan the van in Kirikiriroa, Hudson in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Eddie in Ōtautahi.

We are grateful to all who continue to power our services and help us be there for those doing it tough.

People are at the heart of our services. Our volunteers are not social workers, but are genuine people willing to listen and have a non-judgemental conversation. We currently have over 300 volunteers supporting us in Aotearoa.

Each week, teams of three to four trained volunteers are responsible for setting up the van and their shift. Each van contains two washers and two dryers, with our hybrid van also including shower facilities.

Our services are open to all, regardless of circumstance and at no cost. We operate shifts at the same location on a regular weekly or fortnightly schedule so those visiting our shifts know where to find us.

“It’s about understanding another human. It’s being able to accept someone without any judgement.”
– Nicola, Volunteer

ONE IN SIX KIWIS HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS IN AOTEAROA.

YouGov x Orange Sky Research 2022

Orange Sky’s service is more than just a laundromat on wheels, it’s a community of welcoming people ready to help anyone in need.

“I know what [it] feels like living on the streets. Orange Sky has helped me, and if it has helped me, it has probably helped others as well. I appreciate this service that is there for us.”

– Esau, Friend of Orange Sky.

15,922LOADS OF LAUNDRY

26,954HOURS OF CONVERSATION

8,575WARM SHOWERS

MEETOUR BOARD

Alan Brame, Chair

Alan was an audit partner for KPMG in NZ and China for almost 20 years. Since retiring, Alan has had a number of roles in the non-profit sector including the CFO of SPCA New Zealand and financial advisor for Dance Therapy and Coeliac NZ. He is currently Chair of the Board for Make a Wish NZ as well as becoming the first independent Chair of Orange Sky Aotearoa, joining the Board in September 2021.

Lynda McGregor, Non Executive Director

Lynda, Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Kuia, Te Atiawa, Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Atihaunui a Paparangi, has had a diverse career serving the Aotearoa community in government, community service, media production, politics and food sectors. Lynda advocates for Māori and tikanga based practices within her business and board roles. Lynda joined the Board of Orange Sky Aotearoa in April 2022.

Dominique Leeming, Non Executive Director

Dominique has over 20 years professional fundraising experience. She has worked with a range of organisations, most recently leading marketing, communications, and fundraising for SPCA New Zealand. Prior to SPCA, Dominique guided multiple capital fundraising campaigns for Coastguard New Zealand. She is now a consultant with a range of organisations and joined the Orange Sky Aotearoa Board early in 2022.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THOSE DOING IT TOUGH IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

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