Luke Watkins

"From Student to Volunteer: Luke's Journey of Connection and Growth with Orange Sky"‍

In the bustling town of Mackay, 19-year-old Luke Watkins has found a unique way to give back to his community through volunteering with Orange Sky. His story is one of youthful enthusiasm, genuine connection, and personal growth that serves as an inspiration for aspiring volunteers of all ages.

Luke's journey with Orange Sky began through his mother's involvement with the local church. "I first found out about Orange Sky, it was actually through my mum," Luke explains. "She does some work over at the church and she deals with some affected people in the area, and they all pretty much had good things to say about what you guys do here."

Despite his young age, Luke's commitment to volunteering is impressive. As soon as he turned 18, the minimum age for Orange Sky volunteers, he eagerly signed up. "When I was 18, came over, gave it a shot, and loved it," he recalls with enthusiasm.

For Luke, volunteering with Orange Sky isn't just about providing practical services like laundry or food. It's about human connection. "They just want to be treated like a friend, like a normal person," Luke observes about the people he meets during his shifts. "They're great people to talk to. Everyone has their own story."
This emphasis on genuine interaction and friendship is at the heart of Luke's volunteering experience. "It makes me feel awesome to, you know, make them feel heard, and genuinely, you know, enjoy and listen to their stories," he shares. Luke's approach embodies Orange Sky's mission of fostering connection and dignity through conversation.

Luke's perspective on homelessness has been shaped by his experiences both in Mackay and during visits to family in the United States. He recalls seeing homelessness more prominently in Phoenix, Arizona, where his family would make a point of bringing food and engaging in conversation with those in need. This early exposure clearly influenced his current dedication to volunteering.

When asked about the impact of Orange Sky, Luke is quick to highlight both the practical and emotional benefits. "Look, it does help. Like the immediately obvious stuff is people get clean clothes, people get some food, people get some water and people get access to any help they need," he explains. But for Luke, the most significant impact goes beyond these tangible services. "The biggest thing for me though is just them being heard, them being talked to, them being treated like just anyone else."

Luke's commitment to volunteering is all the more impressive given his busy schedule as a full-time engineering student who also works multiple jobs. Yet, he finds the time and energy to give back to his community through Orange Sky, demonstrating that age and a busy lifestyle are not barriers to making a difference.

The personal growth Luke has experienced through volunteering is evident in his reflections. "Every time I come out of it it's just definitely growth, absolutely. Just understanding how other people live because I've always been very fortunate," he shares. This increased empathy and understanding of diverse life experiences is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of volunteering.

For those considering volunteering with Orange Sky, Luke's advice is simple and encouraging: "Come down, have a chat to us and if you want to let us know that you're thinking about volunteering we'll run you through everything, what's involved." His enthusiasm is contagious, and his story serves as a powerful example of how young people can make a significant impact in their communities.

Luke's journey with Orange Sky in Mackay is more than just a story of volunteering. It's a reminder of the power of human connection, the importance of treating everyone with dignity, and the profound personal growth that can come from serving others. As Luke continues his studies and his volunteer work, he stands as an inspiring example of how one young person can make a meaningful difference in their community.