Local laundrette Sac O Suds is partnering with for purpose organisation Orange Sky Australia to provide a free laundry service in Castlemaine kicking off next Thursday August 11.
Sac O Suds proprietor Laura Keogh said they are thrilled be able to partner with the Orange Sky to provide the new service to support those in the community doing it tough.
Many Castlemaine residents will be familiar with Orange Sky Australia which began as 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.
In late 2014, the boys installed a couple of washing machines and dryers in the back of their old van and visited parks around Brisbane to wash and dry clothes for free. What started as an idea to improve hygiene standards and restore dignity to people doing it tough has evolved into something much bigger and more powerful.
Since winning the Young Australian of the Year award in 2017 the pair and their dedicated team now have vans on the road across the country, including in remote communities, and are now branching out to look at offering the service through existing laundrettes to widen their reach and impact.
The new service at Sac O Suds Laundrette in Barker Street, Castlemaine will provide a free washing and drying service between 1pm and 3pm Thursdays and the opportunity for friends having a hard time to enjoy some positive connection and conversation with volunteers in our community.
“If you are doing it tough, or are just looking for some connection, then bring along your washing, or just yourself to one of our shifts,” Laura said.
“I’ve put up my hand up to help and Orange Sky have already had another couple of local volunteers sign on to assist which is fantastic!” Laura said.
“Volunteering with Orange Sky is super easy! You don’t need to be a pro at washing clothes, you just need to love a good yarn, be positive and non-judgement, and a great team player. I am happy to show our volunteers the ropes,” she said.
Volunteers commit to a regular shot, once a week or fortnight for two to three hours. Flexible volunteering options are available. To find out more visit www.orangesky.org.au or sign up to volunteer at osa.volaby.org/apply