Harcourts Auctioneer Helps Raise More Than $53,000 for Orange Sky

The Harcourts Foundation's partnership with Orange Sky was on full display this week, with Harcourts Head of Auctions, Kobe Rae, generously donating his time and expertise to conduct the charity auction at Vanloads of Hope, helping contribute to more than $53,000 raised for the organisation.

Held at Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, the event brought together Bank of Queensland Group directors and executives, customers, Queensland Government representatives, Orange Sky supporters and community leaders to raise vital funds for the charity's work supporting Australians experiencing homelessness and hardship.

When Orange Sky required an experienced auctioneer for the evening, the organisation approached the Harcourts Foundation for assistance. As Orange Sky's national charity partner, the Foundation was delighted to help, with Head of the Harcourts Foundation Pauline Smith calling on Kobe Rae to volunteer his services.

Three outstanding auction items went under the hammer, including a Bank of Queensland corporate box experience for the Brisbane Broncos versus Newcastle Knights NRL clash, tickets to State of Origin, and a Southern Cross Austereo advertising package, helping drive the event's fundraising success.

Ms Smith said the evening demonstrated the strength of the partnership between Orange Sky and the Harcourts Foundation.

"When Orange Sky reached out asking if we knew someone who could auction their charity items, Kobe was the first person who came to mind," Ms Smith said.

"As our Foundation charity partner, we're always looking for ways to support Orange Sky beyond fundraising alone. Kobe didn't hesitate to donate his time, and his professionalism, enthusiasm and generosity helped create a fantastic outcome for a truly worthwhile cause."

"Partnerships are about showing up when you're needed, and this was a wonderful example of the Harcourts network doing exactly that."

For Kobe Rae, the opportunity was about using his professional skills to make a meaningful difference.

"It's a genuine privilege to be asked to step up as auctioneer for an event like this," Mr Rae said.

"As real estate professionals, we spend our careers helping people into homes, so being able to lend that same energy toward an organisation working to support people who don't have one hits close to home."

"Orange Sky's work deserves to be acknowledged loudly and often. It's easy for services like theirs to operate quietly in the background, but the impact of a hot shower, clean clothes and an hour of genuine conversation for someone doing it tough is enormous."

"Events like Vanloads of Hope matter because they don't just raise funds, they raise awareness, and they remind a room full of business and community leaders that connection is just as powerful as any dollar figure."

Orange Sky provides free mobile laundry, warm showers and genuine connection for people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Australia, creating opportunities for conversation and support in communities where it is needed most.

The Harcourts Foundation is proud to partner with Orange Sky, supporting its mission through fundraising, volunteering and community engagement initiatives that help create brighter futures for Australians doing it tough.