OMO Australia has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Orange Sky to launch The Confidence Cycle – an initiative designed to bring confidence to Aussie kids through access to clean clothes.
“In Australia, one in six children live below the poverty line[1] and with the rising cost of living, it’s likely the number of families struggling to make ends meet will only continue to increase.
“As a result, clean clothes and school uniforms aren’t a reality for every child – a basic need that helps build self-esteem[2].”
To support Aussie families, OMO and Orange Sky – the world’s first mobile laundry and shower service – have teamed up to expand the amount of free laundry services to reach more families. The additional services will be available across three locations in NSW and Queensland.
Unilever General Manager, Homecare Australia and New Zealand Lorna Ash says OMO is proud to partner with Orange Sky. “With the cost of living continuing to rise, many Aussie families are doing it tough at the moment. Our aim in partnering with Orange Sky is to lighten the load for these families in a small but important way, ensuring that Aussie kids have access to clean uniforms and the confidence they bring,” Ms Ash said.
Orange Sky co-founder and CEO Lucas Patchett says, “Clean clothes and showers can make a massive difference to someone’s day, but what makes Orange Sky’s services so impactful is the hours of genuine, non-judgemental conversation and connection that take place between their volunteers and the friends accessing their services.
“Since launching Orange Sky, I’ve seen people in some really tough situations, including young families whose kids weren’t in school due to not having clean uniforms,” Mr Patchett said.
“Not only does Orange Sky provide an essential service, but it also offers a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental place. Thanks to OMO, we’re going to be able to continue to grow our services and reach more people in need.”
OMO is supporting Orange Sky’s services in three locations across Australia including Newcastle, Beenleigh and Cairns. Shifts within these areas that are specifically operating within school catchment regions include:
- Newcastle, NSW – Catholic Care Hamilton South, 29 Fowler Street, Hamilton South, NSW, 2303
- Beenleigh, Queensland – Hugh Muntz Park, Reisers Road, Beenleigh, Queensland, 4207
- Cairns, Queensland – Cairns Villa and Leisure Park, 28 Pease St, Manoora, Queensland, 4870
[1] ACOSS, Poverty in Australia 2020 Report, here.
[2] Raising Children Network Australia, 2022.
