The laundry pod, located in the Salvation Army carpark at 160 Crawford St, is operated twice-weekly by community volunteers. It aims to be a place where people experiencing hardship can access clean clothes and also a welcoming space for connection.
Last Thursday, about 100 community members, including Dunedin city councillors, representatives of charities, social services, funders and volunteers gathered for the launch of the laundry pod.
Orange Sky co-founder and chief executive Lucas Patchett, of Australia, told the gathering that the Dunedin laundry pod was the 10th free laundry service to be launched in New Zealand.
Founded in Brisbane in 2014 and New Zealand in 2018, Orange Sky now offered laundry services in 180 locations across the two countries, he said.
‘‘Just as in New Zealand, there is a growing demographic of people in Australia who are doing it tough,’’ Mr Patchett said.
‘‘The Orange Sky free laundry service is a way of lending them a helping hand, as well as providing an opportunity for connection.’’
Mr Patchett said the Orange Sky team had been working with local organisations for the past six months to understand the situation in Dunedin and get the service established.
He paid tribute to the enthusiastic volunteers, who had signed up to help provide the service, and funding partners Alsco Uniforms, Simplicity Foundation and Otago Community Trust.
Salvation Army Dunedin community ministries manager Logan Bathurst highlighted the importance of the partnership and the impact the pod will have on the local community.
‘‘This initiative is about more than washing clothes. It’s about creating a space where people are treated with respect, where conversations can happen, and where hope and belonging can grow,’’ Mr Bathurst said.
‘‘God moves in mysterious ways — the timing could not have been any better.
‘‘We are thankful to Orange Sky for their vision and mahi,’’ he said.
Mr Bathurst said excitement had been building among the community as the launch of the laundry pod approached, and he was confident it would be popular among people experiencing difficulties accessing laundry facilities.
Alsco national sales and marketing manager Daniel Smith said the company was delighted to support the work of Orange Sky and acknowledged the work that went on behind the scenes.
Orange Sky’s national co-ordinator Emah Butler and her team have spent the past month recruiting and training new volunteers, including visiting the University of Otago to connect with students.
She said the launch marked an important milestone for both the organisation and the Dunedin community.
‘‘Homelessness and hardship are growing issues across Aotearoa, affecting people sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, or living in overcrowded or unsuitable housing,’’ Ms Butler said.
‘‘Our work relies on the generosity of partners, volunteers and the wider community, and we’re very grateful for their support in helping make a difference in the lives of people doing it tough.’’
The Orange Sky laundry pod is located at the Salvation Army, 160 Crawford St, and is equipped with two washing machines and two dryers.
The volunteer-run free laundry service runs twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 11am-1.30pm.
