There are not many people who would finish a half marathon, and wake up the next morning to run a full marathon! Well that is exactly what dedicated Orange Sky volunteer Mikey set out to do and completed at the Gold Coast Marathon earlier this July. Over two days and 63.3km later, Mikey raised an amazing $2,827 for Orange Sky, which will help positively connect Australians doing it tough through access to free laundry, warm showers and genuine conversation.
Mikey is a passionate volunteer with Orange Sky, recently taking on the position of team leader in Surry Hills, Sydney. As a regular on shift, he sees first hand the impact our bright orange van has on our friends.
“I’ve previously volunteered with other organisations and although I knew what I was doing was helping, I couldn’t see the impact that I was having. With Orange Sky, talking to our friends while they wait for their washing, or after they’ve had a shower and are feeling refreshed – you can see how appreciative they are and are happy our service makes them. It makes it so easy to give up my spare time.
One of the things that I didn’t fully anticipate with Orange Sky was the actual connection we’d make with our friends. Especially our returning friends. We really get to know them and they get to know us. We arrive on shift and are greeted by name and asked how we are. It’s so great.
Chatting with fellow volunteers is something I really enjoy. It’s great getting together with a group of likeminded people each fortnight to help our friends in need. I’ve met a lot of inspiring people and a lot of great friends.” – Mikey
Whether you’re eager to smash your fitness goals or just want to give something new a crack like Mikey, you can take on your next active challenge for Orange Sky and help provide clean laundry, warm showers and genuine connection for people doing it tough.
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