Orange Sky Australia

Today is a special day as we celebrate not just 10 year milestone for Orange Sky, but also World Homeless Day. For the past decade, we’ve been part of something much bigger than clean laundry and warm showers. We’ve been part of communities of people coming together to connect – all starting with a simple act of kindness. Whether it’s a load of laundry, a warm shower, or a chat on one of our orange chairs, we’ve seen firsthand the magic that unfolds when people from all walks of life come together. This milestone is about celebrating YOU – the volunteers, partners, friends, and supporters who have shaped Orange Sky into what it is today. Today, as we reflect on this journey, we remember that these conversations and connections are the heart of Orange Sky – a place where everyone is heard, and no one is judged. Thank you for being part of this journey 🧡

This week marks 10 years of Orange Sky. We're taking the opportunity to stop and reflect on the incredible impact we’ve been able to achieve, thanks to the unwavering support of our communities. What started as a wild idea in 2014 from two 20-year-old mates, has has grown from a single van in Brisbane into a nationwide network of mobile laundry and shower services. Now spanning across 42 Aussie communities, we are powered by the heart and soul of Orange Sky - our passionate volunteers and legendary supporters. We are incredibly proud and grateful for the impact over the past decade. But we’re not slowing down - more people than ever are doing it tough right now - missing out on the basics like a warm shower or clean clothes - and they’re counting on us to be there. So, we’ll stay driven and committed to turn our listening into actions, amplify our friends’ voices so they continue to feel seen and heard – until one day, hopefully, there’s a world where everyone feels connected and has a place to belong. Let’s keep the shifts running, the washers spinning, warm showers flowing, but above all, let’s keep our communities connecting. Thanks loads for your support and in joining us in showing how the power of simple things can make a huge impact in the lives of others.

October is an important time to reflect on an issue that can affect us all - mental health. Mental wellbeing is influenced by many factors regardless of our age or background and, unfortunately, everyone can face mental health challenges at some point in their lives. Acknowledging this is a powerful way of reducing stigma, increasing awareness and creating a more compassionate community that supports each other through difficult times. The loneliness and isolation that often comes with homelessness can contribute to mental health struggles. One of the stories we hear often is how profoundly lonely experiencing homelessness can be. Without a strong support network, many people feel lost and that's where a simple friendly conversation and connection to community can make a world of a difference, reminding them that they're not alone. At Orange Sky, our mission goes beyond providing clean laundry and warm showers. We aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for real conversations, offering support and connection to those doing it tough. Every day, our volunteers engage in meaningful chats that can help break the cycle of isolation and offer compassion to those who may feel forgotten, reminding them that someone cares. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are taking a moment to reflect on the role that conversation, connection and a simple service like Orange Sky can have on the wellbeing of those doing it tough, thanks to our incredible team of volunteers and supporters. If you, or someone you know, is going through a hard time, there are people ready to listen and help. You can reach out to Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support, or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 for mental health support. No one has to go through this alone — support is always just a phone call away.

Happy International Podcast Day! If you didn't know already, we have our very own podcast - The F Word. Hosted by our founders, Nic and Lucas, you'll discover how simple gestures of kindness can leave lasting impressions, break down stigmas and misconceptions and highlight the importance of genuine, human connection. 🎙 https://spoti.fi/3Y4HVVC click here to listen now!

Orange Sky operates in 47 locations across Australia and New Zealand, which means we need the resources to keep our services running smoothly to reach those who need it most. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we've established 5 different assets to service these locations. These include our in-house built Laundry Vans, Hybrid Vans, Remote Vehicles, Laundry Pods and Waru Dryers. 👉 Swipe right to learn about the key features of each asset!

Starting October 15th, in partnership with Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and St Alban’s Anglican Church, Orange Sky are bringing our laundry pod to the Greater Shepparton community! Our pod, fit with two washing machines and two dryers is ready to provide access to clean clothes and a place for meaningful conversations. Our goal is to create a positive, non-judgmental space for everyone in the community who needs it. Want to volunteer or support our mission? Get in touch with our team at volunteer@orangesky.org.au to learn how you can get involved 🧡

We are blown away by the incredible generosity shown yesterday for The Sudsy Challenge! Thanks to YOU, our amazing supporters, and our matching partner the Shine On Foundation, we raised almost $100k in just one day! Your donations mean the world to us and will help provide essential laundry and shower services to those doing it tough across Australia, thank you 🧡

Wow, you’ve knocked our orange socks off! Thanks to your incredible support, we’re thrilled to announce that the Shine On Foundation is happy to chip in another $20k to match every dollar raised today for The Sudsy Challenge! 🧡 Remember today your donations go twice as far, helping us provide more clean clothes, warm showers, and meaningful conversations to those who need it most. Let’s keep the momentum going! 👏 Double your impact and help us spread the word – together, we’re making a real difference https://bit.ly/3zucDxQ

What's better than one load of laundry... TWO of course! For the next 24 hours, every dollar raised through The Sudsy Challenge will be DOUBLED thanks to the Shine On Foundation! ✨ That means your $24 donation becomes $48, turning one load of laundry into two for our friends doing it tough. But the impact goes beyond clean clothes – each donation provides a space for meaningful conversations, warm showers, and a moment of connection for those experiencing homelessness. Today is also R U OK Day, which acts as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine conversations. Remember it's not too late to sign up, keep your kit on to help change the lives of the 1 in 210 Aussies currently experiencing homelessness. Join The Sudsy Challenge and donate today: https://bit.ly/3zucDxQ

All across Australia today incredible humans will be pulling on a bright orange shirt for three days to kick off their Sudsy Challenge! We'll be here cheering you on from the sidelines and we'd love to see what you're getting up to over the next three days. Make sure you snap a pic, share it on socials and tag @orangeskyau. And remember - the most important part of the challenge is starting conversations to raise funds and awareness to support friends doing it tough! It's also not too late to join in the fun, sign up today and keep your kit on https://bit.ly/3zucDxQ