Orange Sky Australia is the world’s first free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness – founded in a Brisbane garage by two 20-year-old mates, Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett. What started as an idea to improve hygiene standards and restore dignity has evolved into a national platform for every day Australians to connect through a regular and free laundry and shower service.

The focus is on creating a safe, positive and supportive environment for people who are too often ignored or feel disconnected from the community. Operating all across Australia, Orange Sky has close to 4,000 volunteers, who facilitate the washing and shower services, and importantly, quality conversations with anyone who drops by.

The Lyone Foundation donated a total of $15,000 to the inspiring Orange Sky charity. It costs more than $60,000 per annum to operate an Orange Sky service and this is broken into six operational areas symbolically represented as ‘six orange chairs’. Each chair represents a catalyst for non-judgemental, supportive and connecting conversations with our friends on the street and it’s what makes Orange Sky’s services so special. The $10,000 donation in WA will cover the cost of one chair, and the $5k donation for Orange Sky NT, will assist with launching the Territory’s first service.