Brisbane leaders unite to support homelessness at Orange Sky breakfast
1 July 2025
Brisbane – More than 200 business and community leaders gathered at Howard Smith Wharves for the Orange Sky July ‘Vanloads of Hope’ fundraising breakfast this morning, hosted by Bank of Queensland (BOQ).
The event marked the official launch of BOQ’s annual Orange Sky July campaign, which supports Orange Sky Australia’s mission to provide free mobile laundry and shower services to people experiencing homelessness.
The breakfast raised an impressive $65,000, kicking off a month-long fundraising effort that will see BOQ employees, customers and partners rally around the cause through community activations, matched giving and awareness campaigns.
Attendees heard from key speakers including Patrick Allaway, CEO and Managing Director of BOQ Group and Lucas Patchett, CEO and Co-Founder of Orange Sky Australia. Their remarks highlighted the growing demand for Orange Sky’s services and the critical role corporate partnerships play in expanding reach and impact.
Orange Sky CEO, Lucas Patchett said: “No one deserves to go without essentials – clean clothes, a hot shower and a safe place to sleep; however, rising costs are increasingly forcing everyday Australians to choose between living essentials, bills and rent, and people who may have never thought they would be struggling financially are turning to us for help.
“Orange Sky’s services have never been busier, so it has never been a more important time for Orange Sky's vans and volunteers to be out on the road reaching more and more people and families in need. We couldn't do what we do without the incredible support of the Australian community and generous corporate partners.”
Looking ahead, BOQ will host its Double Donation Day on 16 July, where every donated dollar will be matched — up to a total of $100,000 — to double the impact.
BOQ Group has partnered with Orange Sky since 2019, and this year’s campaign marks the fifth consecutive Orange Sky July. With over 60 vans operating nationwide, Orange Sky continues to be a homegrown success story making a national impact.
