Rita

"Laundry and Love: Rita and Min's Journey with Orange Sky at Tramby"

‍In the heart of Perth, at a bustling hub called Trambi, Rita and Min are redefining what it means to serve their community through Orange Sky. Their story is one of dedication, human connection, and the profound impact of simple acts of kindness.

Rita, a team leader and service coordinator for Orange Sky at Trambi, has been with the organization for seven years. She's witnessed the evolution of their services, from a mobile van to a fully-equipped internal laundry. "We've been here for about seven years," Rita explains. "First with the van, which has always been very, very busy. Then Trambi, Uniting WA, our service provider here, actually did a big renovation of the premises, and we're now able to actually use the internal laundry, which is fantastic."

The Trambi hub is more than just a laundry service. It's a comprehensive support center for those experiencing homelessness, offering everything from Centrelink services to street doctors. Rita's pride in the facility is evident as she describes their operations, emphasizing the efficiency of their wash list system and the dedication of their volunteers.

For Rita, the motivation to volunteer comes from a deep sense of empathy and a desire to give back. "I think it's fantastic to give something back to people who are less fortunate than we are," she shares. "I go home to a warm house. And I'm like, I'm going to do this. And these people here, these are really people who need all the help they can get."

The concept of friendship is central to Orange Sky's mission, and Rita's understanding of this is profound. "These people really mean something to us," she explains. Her experiences at Trambi have ranged from joyful successes to heart-wrenching losses, painting a realistic picture of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Min, a newer volunteer, brings a fresh perspective to the team. Her journey to Orange Sky was driven by a desire to make a difference after witnessing the increasing homelessness in her city. "I looked up various organizations, looked at Orange Sky's website. I thought it was very informative, really like the mission, the founders. That just seemed really progressive," Min recalls.
For Min, volunteering with Orange Sky has been a humbling and transformative experience. "It's very humbling, you know, and putting my own, I guess, ego aside and just realizing this can happen to anyone as well," she reflects. This realization underscores the non-judgmental approach that Orange Sky volunteers strive to maintain.

Both Rita and Min emphasize the importance of open-mindedness and a willingness to connect with people from all walks of life. They see their role not just as service providers, but as friends and confidants to those who often feel invisible in society.

The impact of their work extends beyond clean laundry. It's about restoring dignity, providing a listening ear, and offering hope. Rita shares a success story of a friend who found employment and housing, illustrating the potential for positive change that their support can facilitate.

For those considering volunteering, Min's advice is simple: "Just give it a go." She emphasizes the flexibility of the commitment and the personal rewards that come from serving others.

Rita and Min's story at Trambi is a powerful testament to the impact of community service. Through their dedication and compassion, they're not just washing clothes – they're weaving a stronger, more supportive community fabric. Their experiences highlight the transformative power of human connection and the profound difference that volunteers can make in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

As Orange Sky continues to grow and evolve, volunteers like Rita and Min stand as beacons of hope, reminding us of the power of kindness and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.