The fundraising effort for Orange Sky Laundry on Sunday received a huge boost with $10,000 raised at a jazz day held at Bago Vineyards.
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Organised by the Port Macquarie-created Make a Difference, the event was one in a number of fundraising activities that are focused on ensuring an Orange Sky Laundry van is up and running on the Mid-North Coast.
Make a Difference’s Rob Denham said the fundraiser was a successful day.
“Bago Vineyards was very generous and donated the gate takings from the day while our major corporate sponsor, Port Macquarie Private Hospital also made a donation prior to the actual event,” Mr Denham said.
“Our goal is to fundraise for Orange Sky Laundry. Once on the road, the van will service the Kempsey, Laurieton, Wauchope, Taree and Port Macquarie areas.
“That service provides access to a mobile laundry for the disadvantaged and homeless within these communities.”
While making a tangible difference, the volunteers manning the van will also provide a connection through conversations to other services that may be needed within those areas..
Orange Sky Laundry is the brainchild of Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, the 2016 Young Australians of the Year, Mr Denham said.
“Orange Sky is quite an incredible model. They will come in and provide training to the volunteers who will be running the vehicle. These volunteers are also provided with information they need to best assist those people utilising the service,” he said.
Make a Difference goal for 2017 is to raise $100,000 to purchase a fully kitted out van containing four washing machines. The $10,000 raised on Sunday pushes that effort over the halfway mark.
Mr Denham said Make a Difference was founded by his wife, Erin, and focuses on seeing a need within a community and doing something about it.
“Our motto is: provide, connect and restore,” Mr Denham said.
Make a Difference has two further fundraising for Orange Sky Laundry in July. The first is on Friday July 21, a charity dinner at Bills Fish House featuring Orange Sky Laundry co-founder Nic Marchesi and Lifeline ambassador Luke Anderson as guest speakers. Tickets are available from the restaurant.
The second event is a sleep out planned for July 28.
Make a Difference is a not for profit organisation that relies solely on donations.
Its mission is to support disadvantaged people living in our local community by providing access to resources and services, connecting and building positive relationships and restoring respect, pride and hope in the most vulnerable people in our community.
