A small group of 18 members and two guests assembled at the Remuera Golf Club for our August 12th breakfast meeting.
We received a warm welcome from our Co-Presidents and an enjoyable twist on the Sergeants session from Sergeant Angus. Our Presidents updated the meeting on the recent Board Meeting, which is summarised in a separate story below.
Before introducing our guest speaker, members were reminded of upcoming events and meetings, all of which will continue to be promoted via the Bulletin.
Our guest speaker was Eddie Uini, Head of Operations for "Orange Sky New Zealand", (OS), was hosted and introduced by Lynette. Simply put, Orange Sky provides free laundry, warm showers and genuine conversation to support the 41,000 people experiencing homelessness in New Zealand. Eddie's first exposure to OS was in Australia where they started 7 years ago and now operate 32 vans. He was so impressed with the Australian operation that on his return to New Zealand he became a key instigator of the first OS international mobile laundry and shower service.Through the thousands of loads of laundry and showers Eddie has helped provide, he knows just how the power of a conversation can impact someone's life. Eddie ensures the efficiency of their services and plays an integral role in supporting and growing the Orange Sky NZ volunteer network to have over 250 volunteers in the 3 years they have been operating in New Zealand. Each mobile van contains two washing machines, one dryer and one shower. Currently there are two vans operating daily in Auckland and one each in Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton. Adding additional vans in other cities are planned as and when funds allow.
Each van costs $100,000 to purchase and convert. These, and other running costs, are met by fundraising and sponsorship. Over the last year OS have secured 1,000 individual sponsors who together have raised in excess of $100,000. Continued success of the service will primarily be attributed to how successful OS is in securing sponsors. With the dedication of volunteers like Eddie, and the passion he has in seeing the service continue and grow, they are in good hands. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Eddie and very best wishes for the continued success of Orange Sky New Zealand.