Danee Vanderwall
Danee Vanderwall, a long-time Orange Sky volunteer and team leader, shares insights on community connection, personal growth, and the impact of volunteering.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
"I love that they have that trust to be able to just open up and tell us about it and just to offload and we can be a set of shoulders and ears just for them to be able to unload a lot of their worries and things like that with no judgment."
"It's easy to say it to somebody but when you're in that situation it's so darn hard for them. So really it's about how hard it really is to be vulnerable and ask for help."
"It's a community. So people support each other here. I mean, there's always going to be people that don't get along, but it doesn't matter where you are. People don't get along anywhere and everywhere. Not everybody's meant to be friends. But it's a good community here. People have each other's backs here."
"Come along. Just come along and come and meet the crew. Go and meet wherever you are, wherever you're thinking of going. But especially here. Come along. Spend an hour with us. Come see what we're doing. I reckon that would change your mind, especially when you get to come and see all the team."
Building Connections and Breaking Barriers: Danee's Journey with Orange Sky
In the heart of Wyong, a community often stigmatised by socioeconomic challenges, Danee Vanderwall has found her calling as a volunteer and team leader with Orange Sky. With over four years of service, Danee's story is a testament to the transformative power of community engagement and the importance of non-judgmental support.
"I love that they have that trust to be able to just open up and tell us about it and just to offload," Danee shares, highlighting the deep connections formed during Orange Sky shifts. These interactions have not only impacted the lives of those using the service but have also profoundly changed Danee's perspective on life and community.
One of the most significant insights Danee has gained is the complexity of asking for help. "It's easy to say it to somebody but when you're in that situation it's so darn hard for them," she reflects. This understanding has deepened her empathy and reinforced the importance of Orange Sky's non-judgmental approach.
Despite the challenges faced by the Wyong area, Danee emphasizes the strength of the community. "People have each other's backs here," she says, challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with the region. Through Orange Sky, she's witnessed firsthand the power of community support and the resilience of those facing hardship.
For Danee, volunteering with Orange Sky is more than just providing a service; it's about building a community. "Friends mean to me means connection, making connection with people," she explains. These connections, formed over loads of laundry and conversations, are at the heart of Orange Sky's mission and Danee's commitment to her community.
As Orange Sky continues to make a difference in Wyong and beyond, volunteers like Danee remind us of the profound impact that compassion, understanding, and community support can have on individuals and society as a whole.
