Port Macquarie Rotary Club donate backpacks to Orange Sky Laundry to help the homeless

Debbie Loveday, member of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie and district governor nominee said helping the community is something she is passionate about.

“I think it is so important to help those who are in need and with the dreadfully cold winter nights we are currently having, those on the streets are doing it tough,” Ms Loveday said.

“Last year around this time I ran a coat drive for those living on the street but this year I wanted to do something different.

“So I decided to get backpacks and handbags and with the help of the club filled them with warm clothes, a sleeping bag and personal items.

“We thought that bags are great because most people walking down the street have one and we can fill it with things that will be useful.”

Ms Loveday said she is giving the bags to Orange Sky Laundry to distribute so the bags can go to where they are needed.

“Orange Sky Laundry is a fantastic organisation who are doing great things helping people right across the region,” she said.

“They are on the front foot of the problem and know where the bags will be of the most help.”

Carly Bullard, vehicle manager for Orange Sky Laundry said the bags will be used.

“Orange Sky provides a great service and we are always grateful when we receive donations to help those in need,” Ms Bullard said.

“We are always looking at ways to help and these bags will absolutely go to people who will appreciate them.”

Ms Bullard also said that as time goes on, Orange Sky is increasing services right across the Mid North Coast and are always looking for more volunteers.

“In June we did 130 washes over 202 hours of genuine conversational hours in 33 shifts but we want to do more,” she said.

“We service Kempsey, Wauchope, Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Taree with eight shifts a week and with more volunteers more shifts are possible.”