Orange Sky Laundry Explained

Orange Sky Laundry
Logo Alt:Orange Sky Laundry
Established:
Operating since
Founders:Nic Marchesi
Lucas Patchett
Founding Location:Brisbane
Registration Id:85890622990
Services:Free laundry for homeless

Orange Sky Laundry is a charity based in Brisbane, Australia, that offers a free mobile laundry service for the homeless. It was established in September 2014 by Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, who were named Young Australians of the Year in 2016. The service has since expanded across Australia. Orange Sky offered services to 38 locations, of which 14 are in remote communities.

Background

Orange Sky Laundry was established on 4 September 2014[1] and began operations on 10 October 2014.[2] Marchesi describes himself and Patchett as "two normal everyday blokes who had a crazy idea".[3] They had previously volunteered at food vans and other outreach programs while still at school, and had a passion to help the homeless. Their idea "started as a fun test project — to see if it would work. From there, it took a life of its own.”[4] They took the name for their service from the Alexi Murdoch song "Orange Sky", which is about lending a hand to those in need.[5]

Orange Sky Laundry is a government-registered charity.[1] The service is believed to be a world first.[3] In February 2015, five months after they started with the first van in Brisbane in October 2014,[6] and two weeks after their expansion into Cairns, Cyclone Marcia hit the central Queensland coast and the then 20-year-olds headed to the area to offer their free service to affected communities.[7] Similarly, in January 2016, they travelled to Victoria to provide laundry services to people affected by the Great Ocean Road bushfires.[8]

The laundry vans filled a service gap and not only offered clean clothes and blankets but also dignity. Marchesi says the human connections enabled to the isolated is the most important aspect of their initiative.[9] Each van also carries six orange chairs. During the time the laundry is being washed and dried in the vans, the volunteers sit and socialise with the visitors.[10]

Laundry expansion

Orange Sky began operating its second van (in Cairns) by February 2015,[11] and its third in Melbourne in June.[12] Their first birthday, and World Homeless Day 2015,[2] were celebrated with a new service in south east Victoria, funded by partners The Good Guys[13] (who provided half of the funding for the van[14]), the Jelley Family Foundation, and the Bennelong Foundation.[2] Other vans began operating in Sydney in November 2015,[5] [15] Gold Coast in January 2016,[16] Perth in February 2016,[17] [18] Adelaide in March 2016,[19] [20] Sunshine Coast in April 2016,[9] Canberra in April 2016,[19] [21] [22] and Hobart in July 2016.[23]

By July 2016, Orange Sky had 10 vans and 600 volunteers, and were estimated to be washing nearly six tonnes of laundry each week.[24] By 2018 they had 13 vans servicing 121 locations, with over 800 volunteers.[25] They have plans to expand to the US.[26]

Another initiative is "Australia's first social impact laundromat", a commercial laundromat run by Orange Sky in Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, with profits helping to fund the organisation's laundry services to homeless people.[27]

Since 2018 Orange Sky has extended its reach into remote Indigenous communities across Australia. Orange Sky offered services to 38 locations, of which 14 are in remote communities.[28]

Orange Sky Showers

On 23 August 2016, Orange Sky launched a new mobile service: free hot showers for the homeless. One of the homeless people to first try the shower van described it as "bloody awesome".[29] The first van was being trialled in Brisbane in 2016, with plans to move it permanently to Melbourne, as it was funded by the Shine On Foundation based in Melbourne.[30]

Awards

On Australia Day 2016, the two co-founders were awarded joint Young Australians of the Year for their social entrepreneurship.[31] In their acceptance speeches after being announced as winners by the Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, Patchett said "we can restore respect, raise health standards and be a catalyst for conversation". Marchesi continued "It's so crazy and humbling to think such a simple idea has had such a significant impact".[32]

In June 2016 they were invited to Frankfurt, Germany to receive a Global Best Practices Award: Special Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.[33]

In October 2018, Orange Sky was given the People's Choice Award in the Google Impact Challenge Australia.[34]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry INC . . Melbourne . 4 September 2014 . 17 September 2016.
  2. Web site: SE Melbourne  - Orange Sky Laundry. Orange Sky Laundry. 10 October 2015. 16 September 2016. On Orange Sky Laundry's 1st Birthday, and World Homeless Day (10 October 2015), we launched our 4th service into the community of South East Victoria.. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202113002/http://www.orangeskylaundry.com.au/se-melbourne-van. 2 February 2017. dmy-all.
  3. Web site: Homeless washing van planned for Wollongong as Orange Sky Laundry team visits city . Justin . Huntsdale . . Illawarra . 7 July 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160819133245/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-07/orange-sky-laundry-van-visits-wollongong/7576502 . 19 August 2016 . dmy-all .
  4. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry: Young Australians of the Year . Allison . Chan . . Australia . 23 June 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160916152249/http://www.australiaplus.com/international/in-person/orange-sky-laundry-young-australians-of-the-year/7511962 . 16 September 2016 . dmy-all .
  5. News: Orange Sky Laundry offers free washing service for Sydney's homeless . Rachel . Browne . . Sydney . 6 November 2015 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161004110803/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/orange-sky-laundry-offers-free-washing-service-for-sydneys-homeless-20151104-gkr53h.html . 4 October 2016 . dmy-all .
  6. News: Australian small firms take to four wheels. Tatyana. Leonov. 9 April 2015. 16 September 2016. BBC News. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160924080348/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32128444. 24 September 2016. dmy-all.
  7. News: Cyclone Marcia: Orange Sky cleans up after the storm . Cameron . Atfield . . Brisbane . 22 February 2015 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170105040937/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cyclone-marcia-orange-sky-cleans-up-after-the-storm-20150221-13l7gr.html . 5 January 2017 . dmy-all .
  8. News: Great Ocean Road fires: Devastation leads to outpouring of community spirit . Stephanie . Chalkley-Rhoden . . Melbourne . 30 December 2015 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160414062740/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-27/fire-devastation-leads-to-outpouring-of-community-spirit/7055442 . 14 April 2016 . dmy-all .
  9. News: Orange Sky Laundry launches on Sunshine Coast, tackling housing, employment with clean clothes . Harriet . Tatham . . Sunshine Coast . 13 April 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160617172747/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-13/orange-sky-laundry-launches-on-sunshine-coast/7323292 . 17 June 2016 . dmy-all .
  10. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry  - What We Do. 17 September 2016. Orange Sky Laundry. Orange Sky Laundry is a catalyst for conversation. In the one hour time it takes to wash and dry someone's clothes there is absolutely nothing to do but sit down on one of our 6 orange chairs and have a positive and genuine conversation between our everyday volunteers and everyday friends on the street.. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160918011144/http://www.orangeskylaundry.com.au/what-we-do. 18 September 2016. dmy-all.
  11. News: Unique Brisbane charity Orange Sky Laundry launches second mobile laundry van for Cairns' homeless . Harry . Clarke . . Cairns . 13 February 2015 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180319135345/http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/unique-brisbane-charity-orange-sky-laundry-launches-second-mobile-laundry-van-for-cairns-homeless/news-story/4bdf61a1556929c9b24a3a3a5f66129f . 19 March 2018 . dmy-all .
  12. News: Orange Sky Laundry van provides a boost for Melbourne's homeless . Carolyn . Webb . . Melbourne . 1 July 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160507063940/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/orange-sky-laundry-van-provides-a-boost-for-melbournes-homeless-20150701-gi2mxt.html . 7 May 2016 . dmy-all .
  13. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry Co-Founders Are Truly Good Guys. 17 September 2016. The Good Guys. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160917161646/https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/orange-sky-laundry-good-guys. 17 September 2016. dmy-all.
  14. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry. 10 October 2015. 17 September 2016. 2SER Radio - Saturday Breakfast. Sophie. Ly. 02:47. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160923201612/http://www.2ser.com/component/k2/item/18512-orange-sky-laundry. 23 September 2016. dmy-all.
  15. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry Services – now operating in Sydney . NSW Govt Family & Community Services . Sydney . 26 November 2015 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160915061829/https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/about_us/news/2015/orange-sky-laundry-services-now-operating-in-sydney . 15 September 2016 . dmy-all .
  16. News: Orange Sky Laundry launches on the Gold Coast washing clothes for homeless . Stephanie . Bedo . . Gold Coast . 14 January 2016 . 24 August 2016.
  17. News: Orange Sky homeless laundry service comes to Perth . Claire . Tyrrell . . Perth . 19 February 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160921045251/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/30862419/orange-sky-homeless-laundry-service-comes-to-perth/#page1 . 21 September 2016 . dmy-all .
  18. News: Orange Sky mobile laundry service for the homeless celebrates Perth launch . Emma . Young . . Perth . 28 March 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161009023015/http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/orange-sky-mobile-laundry-service-for-the-homeless-celebrates-perth-launch-20160328-gnsicq.html . 9 October 2016 . dmy-all .
  19. News: Clean streets: the mobile laundry service helping Australia's homeless . Richelle . Harrison Plesse . . London . 30 March 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160923141400/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/mar/30/clean-streets-mobile-laundry-service-australia-homeless-orange-sky . 23 September 2016 . dmy-all .
  20. News: Orange Sky Laundry service for the homeless extended to Adelaide . Claire . Campbell . . Adelaide . 30 March 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160617204642/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-30/homeless-laundry-service-now-in-adelaide/7283972 . 17 June 2016 . dmy-all .
  21. News: Young Australians of the Year wash the clothes of the homeless as Orange Sky Laundry launches in Canberra . Megan . Doherty . . Canberra . 28 April 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161009011321/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/young-australians-of-the-year-wash-the-clothes-of-the-homeless-as-orange-sky-laundry-launches-in-canberra-20160427-gofvd3.html . 9 October 2016 . dmy-all .
  22. News: Orange Sky Laundry offers clean clothes and conversation for homeless in Canberra . Louise . Maher . . Canberra . 28 April 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160629211834/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-28/orange-sky-laundry-launches-in-canberra/7367448 . 29 June 2016 . dmy-all .
  23. News: Orange Sky homeless laundry service kicks off in Hobart . Stephen . Smiley . . Hobart . 27 July 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160821025105/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-27/homeless-laundry-service-kicks-off-in-hobart/7665814 . 21 August 2016 . dmy-all .
  24. News: Orange Sky Laundry road trip: Young Australians of the Year search for people making a difference . Jessica . Hinchliffe . . Brisbane . 1 July 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160823131527/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-01/orange-sky-laundry-search-for-australians-making-a-difference/7557536 . 23 August 2016 . dmy-all .
  25. Web site: Orange Sky Laundry. Orange Sky Laundry. en. 31 May 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180313160350/http://www.orangeskylaundry.com.au/what-we-do. 13 March 2018. dmy-all.
  26. News: Aussie's 'fun idea' inspires a movement . Marissa . Calhoun . USA . . 14 July 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160916024249/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/14/world/cnn-hero-nicholas-marchesi/ . 16 September 2016 . dmy-all .
  27. Web site: Australia's first social impact laundromat comes to Melbourne Street . City of Adelaide . 2 May 2022 . 5 June 2024.
  28. Web site: Remote Communities . Orange Sky Australia . 1 September 2020 . 5 June 2024.
  29. News: Mobile shower van for homeless hits Brisbane streets thanks to Orange Sky pair . Lexy . Hamilton-Smith . . Brisbane . 23 August 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160823203919/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-23/mobile-shower-van-for-homeless-hits-the-streets-of-brisbane/7775250 . 23 August 2016 . dmy-all .
  30. Web site: Orange Sky have just launched their first portable shower for the homeless in Brisbane . . 23 August 2016 . 3 September 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160828041753/http://catholicleader.com.au/news/orange-sky-have-just-launched-their-first-portable-shower-for-the-homeless . 28 August 2016 . dmy-all .
  31. Web site: Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett. National Australia Day Council. Canberra. 26 January 2016. 24 August 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160913060128/http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/alumni/connect/nic-marchesi-and-lucas-patchett/. 13 September 2016. dmy-all.
  32. Web site: Australia Wide August 20 . Allyson Horn . 17 August 2016 . ABC News . . 3 September 2016 . 05:24 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160826173027/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-17/australia-wide-august-20/7760114 . 26 August 2016 . dmy-all .
  33. Web site: Global Best Practices Awards 2016 . CINET . Ophemert Netherlands . 12 June 2016 . 24 August 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160917070227/http://www.cinet-online.net/?P=480&event=121&L=1 . 17 September 2016 . dmy-all .
  34. News: Google.org Impact Challenge Australia 2018. 2018-11-04. en.