Transforming Communities, One Vehicle at Once
Orange Sky Aotearoa, an organisation based in New Zealand, uses specially-converted vans and semi-permanent container-based laundry units to provide clean clothes and shower facilities for those in need.
The concept originated in Brisbane, Australia, 11 years ago and has since expanded to various locations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Christchurch, and Tauranga. The vans are sourced from Orange Sky in Australia and are outfitted there before being shipped to New Zealand.
The vans are equipped with two washing machines, two dryers, and a shower, and can be plugged into a standard 10-amp household outlet if the internal battery is depleted. They also have solar panels, and a pair of 250 litre tanks (one for fresh water, one for waste) ensure the vans' self-containment, enabling them to operate anywhere.
Orange Sky partners with existing service providers, often at locations offering free community meals and haircuts. The vans are also equipped with folding chairs for volunteers to chat with service users, and they offer support and guidance on where to find help.
In 2018, the concept was expanded to New Zealand, and currently, Orange Sky operates six vans and three "pods" in Auckland and Tauranga. The organisation has a small army of 350 volunteers, and approximately three to four volunteers man each Orange Sky van shift.
Orange Sky doesn't receive government funding but is supported by local council funding, philanthropists, corporate partners, and everyday donors. The vans are versatile, useful for moving cargo, hauling tools, shuttling people, and even for hillclimb racing, but their primary mission is to provide essential services to those in need.
The website DRIVEN Car Guide has a fondness for vans, and Orange Sky's vans are no exception. They are continually looking for ways to improve their services and vehicles, such as replacing generators with solar panels and investigating new vehicle types like hybrid models.
In addition to Orange Sky Aotearoa, there is another organisation in New Zealand that operates specially converted trucks offering people in need access to clean washing and shower facilities, known as "Shower for Everyone." Both organisations play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to basic hygiene facilities.
Orange Sky maintains a calendar of the vans' locations on their website, which allows service users to find nearby services, donate, fundraise, or volunteer. For more information, visit their website at www.orangesky.org.nz.
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