$3256 helping hand for mobile laundry service

Cool Harmonies put a little love in the community’s heart on Thursday morning raising $3256 to give a helping hand to Orange Sky Australia which provides a free mobile laundry service for homeless people on the Sunshine Coast.
The donation included $250 from Marcoola Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank, plus two baskets full of toiletries which will be distributed to the 65-70 people using the laundry service each week.
More than 100 people enjoyed the annual fundraising event, held at the Uniting Church hall in Coolum Beach, which featured heart-warming harmonies and a delicious morning tea.
“It’s such a joy to bring the community together at these events as we not only get to share our varied and uplifting songs with everyone but have the opportunity to raise funds for local not for profit organisations,” choir director Yvonne Corstorphin said.
The event included a presentation by Vehicle Manager Rob Scoates and his wife Delise from Orange Sky, which has been operating on the Sunshine Coast for the past three years.
“I want you to imagine you are cold, hungry, lonely and don’t know where you will lay your head tonight to sleep,” Rob asked the audience during his presentation.
“And with what little cash you have in your pocket, will you spend it on food or go to a laundromat to wash your clothes each week?”
Rob said there were about 1600 people who were homeless on any given night on the Sunshine Coast, includes those sleeping in cars or couch surfing with friends, with about 42 percent of them under 25 years of age. 
Last month, Orange Sky delivered 250 washes on the Sunshine Coast, with 60 volunteers and approx. 360 hours of non-judgemental conversation.
“With our homeless friends, it’s knowing that someone cares about them, and what we do at Orange Sky is all about hope,” he said.
Rob told the audience the free mobile laundry service, which relied on donations and sponsors to keep the vehicle on the road, cost between $200 and $300 per week to cover the laundry, wear and tear, maintenance and insurance.
Story and photos: Hari Kotrotsios