Orange Sky Aotearoa is celebrating the volunteers behind its free Tauranga community laundry pod, as the service marks one year of supporting people experiencing hardship and homelessness.

The permanent laundry pod at the Cliff Rd Building was launched in June last year in partnership with homeless support community organisation Under the Stars.

It had since become a regular point of connection for people accessing free laundry facilities, meals, showers, clothing support and other essential services in the city, Tauranga-based Orange Sky Aotearoa senior impact manager Kat Doughty said.

In its first 12 months, it had supported nearly 800 people, completed more than 750 loads of laundry and created countless hours of conversation and connection through its volunteer team.

Doughty said this year’s National Volunteer Week theme “Your Year to Volunteer (Tōu tau ki te tūao)” – recognising the role of volunteers in strengthening communities and fostering belonging – was something Orange Sky helpers experienced first-hand.

Volunteering often became as meaningful for the volunteers as it was for the people using the service.

“One of the things we hear time and again is that volunteers come to Orange Sky wanting to help others but often end up finding a sense of community and connection themselves.

“The simple act of sitting down for a kōrero [talk] while someone’s washing is on can genuinely shift someone’s day. It’s about creating a welcoming, non-judgmental space where everyone feels seen and valued.”

Tauranga volunteer Lisa O’Neill has been part of the service since it began, leading Orange Sky’s Saturday afternoon shift alongside Under the Stars.

Living and working full-time in the city, she said she had seen signs of homelessness and hardship becoming more visible across Tauranga in recent years.

Tauranga community laundry pod volunteer Lisa O’Neill at work. Photo / Supplied

“To anyone considering volunteering, I would absolutely recommend it – you get back so much more than what you give.

“Not only do you get to make a real impact in the lives of those we help, but you also form connections with a team of incredible, kind, like-minded people.

“In just a few hours each week, I’ve seen first-hand how much it means to people, and I love my volunteer team.”

The Tauranga pod operates alongside Under the Stars’ community meal service, which supports more than 100 guests each week.

While clothes are washed and dried, guests can share kai and access hot showers, toiletries, towels, free clothing and haircuts.

For O’Neill, one interaction had stayed with her. A woman who had recently escaped domestic violence arrived with only the damp clothes on her back after washing herself in a river.

“We invited her to head straight into the warm shower inside, and we washed her clothes in the meantime. Our partnership with Under The Stars meant she could go in for a hot meal too.

“We were so grateful she came to us. What a privilege it was for us to help her feel like herself again, and to sit and have a conversation with such a brave woman.”

Orange Sky Aotearoa’s Tauranga volunteers with those of Under The Stars at the Cliff Rd site. Photo / Supplied

The Tauranga pod is made possible through support from Hugo Charitable Trust, Awhero Nui Charitable Trust and Tauranga City Council alongside regular donors.

It is one of eight Orange Sky service locations supported by more than 1000 volunteers nationally.

Doughty said Orange Sky encouraged more Bay of Plenty residents to consider volunteering. “People sometimes think they need special skills or lots of spare time, but really it’s about being willing to show up, have a conversation and be part of the community.

“For many of our volunteers, it’s become a place where they’ve found purpose, friendship and their people.”

To find out more, visit Orange Sky’s website.