Faced with the winter cold, clients of Wollongong’s free mobile laundry service for the homeless, Orange Sky, will pull their clean clothes straight from the drier and onto their backs, still warm.
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Service volunteer Rodney Beck has seen the dignity and comfort this simple ritual can bring.
“These people are good people in bad situations, and some of them really look forward to seeing us,” he said.
“They wait for us, the same time every week. They’re just so grateful that they have clean clothes. They don’t take it for granted.”
Orange Sky will be the main beneficiary of this year’s Illawarra Police Charity Ball, on August 4.
Now in its 32nd year, the event has a long history of driving significant charity dollars towards the organisations that most need them.
Inspector John Klepczarek said event organisers chose to support Orange Sky Laundry because “homelessness isn’t something that gets a lot of attention”.
“It humbles you a little bit to realise there’s people out there that need [the service],” he said. “It’s one of those services that the average person wouldn’t think twice about, but for those who need it, it’s just got rave reviews.”
Tickets to the ball, at University Hall, cost $110. Entry includes a three-course meal, drinks package, live entertainment, charity auctions and prizes. Visit www.policecharityball.com.au for full event details.
Contrary to earlier announcements, tickets must be purchased by July 14.
Angela Thompson
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
