In April, Christchurch West Methodist Parish began hosting the Orange Sky van. The warm welcome offered by volunteer hosts, and the washing facilities, are a transformational act of solidarity with those experiencing hardship.

The Orange Sky van is instantly recognisable on the streets of Ōtautahi because of its vibrant colour, however  what is not immediately obvious is that the van is neatly kitted out with washing machines, clothes dryers and a hot shower, all powered by solar panels on the van roof. To operate, the van merely needs to connect to a water tap and place its outflow pipe into a wastewater drain.

The service, offered every Tuesday afternoon on an initial three-month trial basis, is hosted by a diverse range of volunteers, mainly students from the nearby University of Canterbury. The Church shares its lounge so everyone can enjoy a hot drink while they wait for their laundry to be washed and dried. Those using the hot showers are able to borrow comfy dressing gowns while they wait.

Orange Sky is a not-for-profit organisation providing people experiencing homelessness with access to free laundry services, warm showers and genuine, non-judgmental conversation, across New Zealand. https://www.orangesky.org.nz . Christchurch West were keen to ensure that people in need on the west side of the city can benefit from the service, which already operates in the inner city and east side.

Those using the service may be sleeping on the streets or in their cars but equally may find the cost of hot water and a washing machine impossible to cover in these difficult times. Given the whakamā which can accompany poverty, Orange Sky is working to offer a mana-enhancing approach. Orange Sky was originally founded in Brisbane in 2014 and was named after an Alexi Murdoch song which affirms that we are all children under the same sky and that ‘salvation lies in love’.

The parish is hopeful that over the coming weeks, those in need of the Orange Sky van and its practical welcome will find support and care to make life a little easier.