Setting an initial ambitious target of $20,000 to fund vital mobile van operations, the team, who along with their friends, also personally donated, has exceeded expectations.
This heart-warming campaign, which ran from 1 November to 17 December, united property owners, tenants, and suppliers in a shared mission to support those experiencing homelessness and hardship across the community.
The initiative was built on a model of shared contribution, inviting property owners to donate the equivalent of one day’s rent, while Harcourts Solutions matched these contributions with a day’s income.
The drive emerged from the sobering reality of the current housing crisis in Australia.
With the agency renting over 800 properties annually, the property management team regularly witnesses the human cost of housing shortages, often facing the difficult task of turning away multiple families for every successful application.
Jodie Stainton, Property Management Director, Harcourts Solutions expressed her gratitude for the community’s response.
She noted that the team was overwhelmed by the generosity of their property owners, suppliers, and tenants, emphasising that together they are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
This sentiment was echoed by Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, who stated that partnering with Orange Sky aligns perfectly with their values and commitment to supporting initiatives that build stronger, more connected communities.
Significant support was received from local businesses, with DC Smoke Services, ABC Photosigns, Harcourts Dapto and Harcourts Queensland each donating over $1,000.
Ange from DC Smoke remarked that the work Orange Sky does goes deeper than clean clothes, treating people with respect, kindness, and dignity.
This community spirit was further reflected in the feedback from tenants. Sigrid, a tenant who also volunteers with the charity, shared her appreciation for the support that keeps the vans on the road, while tenants Tony and Paul praised the amazing job the charity does looking after people across Australia.
The funds raised will directly support Orange Sky’s mission to provide free laundry services, warm showers, and genuine conversation to those doing it tough.
Emma and Arabella from Orange Sky joined the team for the cheque handover and Arabella shared the impact the generous donation: “$22,000 helps power 76 Orange Sky shifts, delivering 460 loads of free laundry and 611 hours of genuine conversation. This means 1,375 friends can access a clean wash and a friendly chat when they need it most.”
Jess Calvert, Property Management Operations Manager at Harcourts Solutions, highlighted the passion within the team for this cause.
She believes in the mission to provide practical help and genuine connection, offering a sense of dignity to those in need.
Celebrating the final tally, Jess shared her excitement at the result: “We’ve raised $22,529.91!”
