Orange Sky Australia is the world’s first free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness – an idea founded in a Brisbane garage by two 20-year-old mates. Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett installed a couple of washing machines and dryers in the back of their old van, visiting parks in Brisbane to wash and dry clothes for free. With an aim to improve hygiene standards and restore dignity to people doing it tough, they stumbled on something much bigger and more significant – the power of a conversation. Now facilitated by more than 1000 volunteers, Orange Sky has expanded to 20 services across Australia and generates over six tonnes of laundry every week. Most importantly, Orange Sky volunteers have engaged in more than 100,000 hours of conversations to date, helping to dispel myths about homelessness and positively connect communities all around Australia.
ORANGE SKY STORIES
For just $6, we can offer a friend on the street clean clothes and one hour of non-judgemental conversation. You can help us to positively connect communities by purchasing Orange Sky Stories - if the average book sells for $40, it will fund all of our washing for one whole month.
BUY NOWAbout the book
Our six orange chairs at locations all across Australia provide us with extraordinary access to people with unique and incredible stories. This book is a collection of conversations, moments and experiences that have been shared by our network of volunteers and friends. Some are heart-warming, others empowering, many are confronting, but each one is unique and highlights the importance of human connection. We want to share these stories, with the hope of inspiring people to challenge the perception of homelessness and encouraging others to invest in the simple joy of a conversation. If the average book sells for $40, we are able provide 25 tonnes of free laundry this January and positively connect thousands of people in need.