By Isaac Murphy
CLEANLINESS and care help has arrived for the homeless people of Cairns.
Mobile service Orange Sky Laundry has recently expanded after having assisted hundreds of Brisbane homeless improve hygiene with its mobile laundry vans.
Founders Lucas Patchett and Nicholas Marchesi launched the project in October last year and it’s already spun up success.
While the program has proved an overwhelming success in Brisbane, the ambitious duo and loyal team of volunteers had their sights set on larger goals.
February 1 marked a significant date in their journey as a second Orange Sky Laundry van was rolled out onto the streets of Cairns.
“We chose Cairns as our destination after our research revealed a remarkably high percentage of homeless on the streets,” Mr Marchesi said.
He said the gratitude of the homeless community was evident.
“People are coming to the van not just to wash clothes, but to have the opportunity to talk to someone who they know cares,” he said.
Mr Patchett and Mr Marchesi’s concern is to ensure the success of their new expansion.
They are liaising with local food services so their patrons can enjoy a meal while waiting for their clothes.
Despite their progress the pair are not content and are looking at having “15 vans across the nation by the end of the year”.
As a registered charity the organisation is a not-for-profit company and will continue to rely on volunteers and donations to fund and man its growing fleet of vans.
