Ashleigh Choice

Conversations That Change Lives: An Aurizon Employee's Journey with Orange Sky‍

In the heart of Mackay, a remarkable story of community engagement and personal growth unfolds through the eyes of Ashleigh Choice, a data analyst at Aurizon and dedicated Orange Sky volunteer. Ashleigh's journey with Orange Sky exemplifies the power of conversation, connection, and compassion in transforming not just the lives of those served, but also the volunteers themselves.

Ashleigh's involvement with Orange Sky began with the Sudsy Challenge, an initiative promoted within Aurizon, a key funder of Orange Sky. What started as a simple participation in a fundraising event soon blossomed into a profound commitment to the organization's mission. "My favourite part about being and coming down to Orange Sky is the conversations," Ashleigh shares. "I enjoy just the breadth and different types of people that you get to talk to, not just the volunteers but the people who attend the service as well."

These conversations, often challenging and thought-provoking, have been a catalyst for personal growth. Ashleigh notes, "I think it has changed how I then talk to people even at work, even with family and friends because it can be challenging. Conversations can be challenging and there's a lot of growth in that." This growth extends beyond her personal life, influencing her professional interactions and family discussions.
Ashleigh's enthusiasm for Orange Sky is contagious. She successfully encouraged her entire team at Aurizon to participate in the Sudsy Challenge, creatively engaging them in the organization's mission. Her commitment has even led to a new role as the community engagement coordinator for Orange Sky in Mackay, where she manages newsletters and social media posts.

Family plays a significant role in Ashleigh's Orange Sky journey. Although her children are too young to volunteer, she regularly shares stories from her experiences. "It's been really good. They see me in the morning every second Friday, don my orange sky shirt and it's been a really good conversation with them about what it looks like for families and that there are kids their age here sometimes," she explains. These conversations help her children understand the diverse experiences within their community and the importance of giving back.

Looking to the future, Ashleigh envisions growth for Orange Sky in Mackay. She sees potential for expanding services, particularly in the Northern Beaches area, to reach more people in need. Her plans include increasing her own volunteering capacity as her children grow older and potentially volunteering at Orange Sky locations in other cities during her work travels.

Ashleigh's story is a testament to the ripple effect of compassion and community engagement. Through her involvement with Orange Sky, she has not only made a difference in the lives of those the organization serves but has also experienced profound personal growth, inspired her colleagues and family, and contributed to the strengthening of her community.

As Orange Sky continues to grow and touch more lives, volunteers like Ashleigh remind us of the power of conversation and connection in building a more compassionate and understanding society. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others to get involved, showing that even small actions can lead to significant positive changes in our communities and ourselves.