Pam Wellham

"From Rotary to Orange Sky: Pam Wellham's Journey of Service and Innovation"

‍In the coastal community of Belmont, Pam Wellham's story unfolds as a testament to the power of community service and the innovative approaches to addressing homelessness. As a member of the Rotary Club of Belmont and a dedicated Orange Sky volunteer, Pam's journey illustrates the profound impact that retirees can have when they choose to give back to their communities.

Pam's introduction to Orange Sky came through her involvement with Rotary. "I found out about Orange Sky just so I think on the radio or something. And then I asked one of the gentlemen who was in charge of Orange Sky in the Hunter area to come along to a Rotary meeting and talk to the Rotarians about Orange Sky," she recalls. This intersection of two service-oriented organizations sparked Pam's interest and led to her becoming a committed Orange Sky volunteer.

For Pam, the decision to volunteer with Orange Sky was driven by a deep-seated belief in the importance of giving back. "I think giving back to the community is something that really makes you feel better," she explains. "Volunteers always seem to be a happier type of people, and they like to just see other people benefiting from the time that they have free." This philosophy, deeply rooted in her Rotary background where the motto is "service above self," has guided Pam's approach to retirement.

Pam's experience with Orange Sky has opened her eyes to the diverse needs of those experiencing homelessness or hardship. She notes that Orange Sky's services aren't just for those living on the streets: "Sometimes they're living in their car, which is homeless, but, you know, they live in their car, they can get a shower, but they can't find... get their washing done. Or they're in public housing, or they've been given an opportunity to go to a motel, and motels don't have... necessarily have washing facilities."

The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges and highlighted the importance of Orange Sky's services. Pam observed that during this time, "people were... they weren't out and about. And I think emotionally or mental health issues arose because they didn't meet with people. So we were doing shifts during COVID... it allowed people to come and talk to us and have someone to assist them."

One of the most striking aspects of Pam's experience is the connections formed with regular users of the service. She speaks fondly of the relationships built over time: "The friends who come on a regular basis, they change over the time that you know them. So one of the gentlemen hasn't been here today. He hasn't been here for a few weeks. So we're all a bit worried. Where is he? What's happened to him?" These connections underscore the human element of Orange Sky's work, going beyond just providing clean laundry to offering a sense of community and care.

Pam is particularly impressed by the innovative nature of Orange Sky's mobile laundry service. "I think you do need innovation because this van can be taken anywhere," she notes. "I mean, if you haven't got a water supply, we can have clean water. We can have water there." This adaptability and innovation are what Pam believes are crucial in addressing the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Looking to the future, Pam sees a need for more innovative approaches to social issues. "We've been doing the same thing for many years. We should, you know, use some of the resources that are available to see what, how we can better help the people who aren't as fortunate as we are," she reflects. Her experience with Orange Sky has reinforced her belief in the power of fresh ideas and adaptable solutions to community challenges.

Pam Wellham's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that individuals can have when they choose to engage with their communities. Her journey from Rotary member to Orange Sky volunteer illustrates the interconnectedness of community service organizations and the ongoing need for innovative approaches to addressing social issues. Through her dedication and compassion, Pam exemplifies the positive change that can occur when we choose to give our time and energy to those in need.