Rail freight company Aurizon partners with Orange Sky Australia in Mackay

‘I have seen the positive impact their services and volunteers are making to the lives of those who are living on the street.’

Aurizon has partnered with charity Orange Sky. Picture: supplied

A three-year partnership deal has been struck between Australia’s largest rail freight company and Orange Sky Australia, which provides services to the Mackay community.

Orange Sky offers free laundry and shower services via more than thirty mobile vans across Australia for people experiencing homelessness, while providing a safe environment to connect with the community.

Two young Brisbane mates – Lucas Patchett and Nic Marchesi — founded the charity in 2014 after seeing an opportunity to help improve hygiene standards and restore dignity to people doing it tough on the streets.

Aurizon’s managing director Andrew Harding said the company was proud to support such a worthwhile charity working in local communities such as Mackay.

“In recent weeks, I have been fortunate to spend time with the founders of Orange Sky and to talk with some of the people they help,” Mr Harding said.

“I have seen the positive impact their services and volunteers are making to the lives of those who are living on the street.”

Aurizon is providing funding to Orange Sky, together with volunteering opportunities for employees who live and work in local communities where Orange Sky provides services.

Orange Sky founder Lucas Patchett welcomed Aurizon’s support.

“Partnerships across the community are so important to our success, so we‘re really excited to welcome Aurizon to the Orange Sky family,” he said.

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Originally published as Rail freight company Aurizon partners with Orange Sky Australia in Mackay