About Orange Sky
Orange Sky is a non-profit organisation providing free mobile laundry and shower services to people experiencing homelessness.
20-year-old best mates Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett started Orange Sky in 2014, installing two washing machines and dryers in the back of their old van. They named the van ‘Sudsy’ and headed around the streets of Brisbane to help improve hygiene standards for people doing it tough.
Nowadays, each week thousands of volunteers give their time to help positively connect some of the 122,494 Australians who are doing it tough. The focus is on creating a safe, positive and supportive environment for people who are too often ignored or feel disconnected from the community.
By raising funds through Walk The Walk, you will be providing loads more laundry, showers and genuine conversations, as well as helping to keep our vans on the road. We currently operate in 54 locations across Australia (and growing), so we need your help to reach more friends in need.
Where We Support
Help Orange Sky continue to support communities doing it tough.
Meet Alan
Alan first came across Orange Sky during a difficult time; he was sleeping on trains, struggling with his mental wellbeing and facing daily uncertainty. But, since those early days, Alan’s situation has changed for the better.
Alan now has a place to call home, but still makes time to visit his regular Sydney shift - not just to wash his clothes, but to stay connected to a community that helped him during a really tough time.
"These guys, your volunteers, they lead me into a good direction. That's what I like about them."
"When I'm not using it, I still come out and say hello to people who volunteer with you, 'cause they're all lovely people. I go up, and they feel like talking. Some other places, they have no time for you. Orange Sky - they're great.”
How your fundraising helps
Services
Funds raised through Walk The Walk supports Orange Sky's free laundry and shower services in 55 locations across the country.
Volunteers
Your support ensures that volunteers are able to provide a space for conversation and connection at over 400 shifts every week.
Friends
By Walking the Walk, you are supporting the more than 122,000 Aussies currently experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Other Ways We Support Our Community
Community Recovery Support
Orange Sky supports people and communities impacted by natural disasters or other unexpected life events. In times of crisis, we are there to support where and when it’s needed most.
Remote Communities
21 of Orange Sky’s services operate in remote Australian communities. In partnership with local organisations, we aim to bridge challenges with laundry access and costs, and support employment opportunities for First Nations people.
Laundromat of the Future
We partner with amazing laundromats who are keen to support Orange Sky’s mission by allowing our service to regularly run from their location. It’s about creating bigger impact, but in a more efficient way.
Social Impact Laundromat
Located in Adelaide, the Social Impact Laundromat operates just like a regular laundromat, but all funds go towards supporting our free mobile laundry and shower services across Australia, allowing us to help more friends doing it tough.
Innovation & Imagination
From building our largest ever vehicle in less than a day, to creating the world’s first solar and battery-powered 'Waru' dryer (pictured above), we’re passionate about finding new ways to support our community.
