Six years of Orange Sky Aotearoa
On 10 October 2018, Orange Sky Aotearoa launched our very first laundry and shower van to provide clean clothes, warm showers, and genuine kōrero to whānau and friends in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Since then we have launched our services into Ōtautahi, Kirikiriroa, Te Matau-a-Māui and Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui across the motu.
10 October 2024 also marks World Homeless Day. These two key events give us the opportunity to reflect on the whānau in our communities who are doing it tough—a reminder of the many people experiencing homelessness and the many more struggling to make ends meet.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our passionate and generous tūao (volunteers) who have been part of this journey – whether they have been here for one shift or 100. Our volunteers keep shifts running, cycles spinning and showers flowing; we thank them for their passion and dedication to making a difference for whānau and friends facing hardship.
It’s not just the vans we need to deliver our services – it’s hundreds of generous and compassionate volunteers, who operate shifts within their local community each week.
Some have been part of our community since day one, and many more continue to join each week. These dedicated volunteers are the heart of our service – lending a listening ear, a non-judgmental chat and a reliable practical service.
We’d also like to thank our generous partners and supporters who have made it possible for Orange Sky Aotearoa to reach this 6 year milestone.
The numbers above show the impact that our volunteers and supporters have had on those facing homelessness or hardship.
With the release of New Zealand Homelessness Census data and ongoing conversations with community leaders across the country, we recognise that there is still a long journey ahead to meet the growing needs of whānau throughout Aotearoa.
Not only do we see the increasing demand through our services and volunteers, the latest research also shows that there is a long journey ahead for the community to meet the growing need.
Increased rates of homelessness are driving greater need, but so is the cost of living. Orange Sky is committed to supporting anyone who needs us – regardless of their situation or circumstance.
Ngā mihi nui to our Orange Sky Aotearoa supporters, volunteers and staff members for your continued commitment to friends and whānau doing it tough and for the part you play in making a difference.
We couldn’t do this without you.