Orange Sky Stories
Every day around Australia, Orange Sky volunteers pull out our six orange chairs on shift and sit down for a chat with friends. Many people visit shift out of necessity to wash their clothes or have a warm shower, while others simple come along to connect with their community.
Genuine and non-judgemental conversations are at the core of what we do, and while sometimes we get into the serious stuff, most of the time it's just every day people talking about every day stuff (and of course, some friendly banter!).
Stories from Shift
Salin’s Story
Meet Salin, one of our regular friends who has been visiting our bright orange van for about 3-4 years.
Salin works a few shifts here and there unloading shipping containers, however income can become unreliable when the days are quiet and there is no work to be done. Orange Sky has been able to support Salin by providing access to free laundry and shower services, as well as the opportunity for connection.
"I am homeless at the moment and sometimes I don't have enough money to use the laundry facilities. Orange Sky helps me, I bring my washing here maybe every two weeks. After a shift I feel good, not just because of the washing, but it's also because I talk to the team who's here and they are friendly. I live by myself and I don't have too many close friends, my family is back in my country, Afghanistan."
In the times where Salin faces loneliness and unemployment, he knows that there will always be a group of welcoming people at his regular Dovetown shift ready for a laugh and a long chat.
