Most of us don’t know what it’s like to spend a night on the street, but nearly all of us could relate to being cash-strapped at some time. An unexpected bill, a medical emergency or maybe the breakdown of a relationship – it doesn’t take long before money is tight … too tight.

Orange Sky deliberately connects our friends in need by offering free laundry, showers and most importantly, conversation. The Orange Sky volunteers are ordinary Australians who are simply empathetic listeners, and great conversationalists. That’s where the real impact of the service happens. Having clean clothes is important, but giving time to people and genuinely listening to their experiences means so much more.

Those six orange chairs are where barriers are broken down, stereotypes are challenged, relationships are built and connections are formed. Every day at Orange Sky is a demonstration of how a positive connection can transform a person’s life. They are passionate about helping to connect people all around Australia – and soon the world.

That’s why at Orange Sky, the mission doesn’t involve the words ‘laundry’ or ‘washing’ – their mission is simply to positively connect communities. The most important pieces of infrastructure are six orange chairs which emerge wherever the van stops.

At St John’s, we value the importance of community, and welcoming the stranger. It costs at least $300 for an entire shift of genuine conversation, clean clothes and warm showers. Can we support Orange Sky to provide at least four shifts of life-changing connections for our friends on the streets? That’s only $1,200. Think about the impact that this small contribution might have for our friends on the street. Donations to Orange Sky Australia are tax deductible. Place your donation in the August envelopes available in the Narthex, and place it in the donation boxes, in the collection, to the Cathedral Office Monday-Friday, or give it to a warden. If you wish to have a receipt, please provide your name and address on the envelope. Using electronic banking, make a bank transfer to BSB 034 003 Account No.385378. Please narrate your deposit “Outreach 08” and also email outreach@stjohnscathedral.com.au to inform us of your deposit, (including the amount), and to provide your postal/email details for the receipt. For credit card payments, please phone the cathedral office during normal business hours Monday-Friday (07 3835 2222). Orange Sky will provide receipts direct in late September or early October.