Northern NSW graduating students shine with donated clothes from charity Thread Together

Charity Thread Together has again made a mark on the Northern Rivers, decking out more than 90 thrilled students for end of schooling celebrations. Find out more.

Graduating students from across the Northern Rivers are happy to have Adam Worling and his crew of fitters back in the region to deck them out in fine threads.

Last year, charity Thread Together helped about 40 flood-affected students.

Now, the group has decided to come back to the region and has expanded on the number of teens that can be helped in Lismore, Ballina, Casino and Evans Head, according to board member and ex-Richmond River High student Adam Worling.

Setting up shop at Lismore High School on Wednesday, Mr Worling and his sister, Dana said the charity wanted to help year 12 students look and feel their best for rites of passages into adulthood, like formals.

Thread Together’s Adam Worling in Lismore. Picture: Nicholas Rupolo

“Last year everybody was in major recovery mode and we wanted to make sure that we added a little bit of joy and ease to the school formal,” he said.

“We left it up to the six principals to decide with their students who needed the service – there was no limit.

“We have 91 students but if it had been 191, we would have done 191.”

Mr Worling said the charity dressed 38 students last year, predominantly from Richmond River, and he was pleased to widen Thread Together’s outreach this year.

Rivers Secondary College Lismore executive principal Chris Randle (centre) helps fitters from Thread Together at Lismore High School on Wednesday.

The charity brings to the table end-of-season, but brand new clothing from manufacturers and retailers and redistributes it to those in need.

“All the partners that were on board last year came on board this year,” Mr Worling said.

Just because it’s a charitable endeavour does not mean well-known brands are out – students can choose from options including RM Williams, Bec & Bridge, Wittner Shoes, Tarocash, Van Heusen, and Calvin Klein.

Thread Together is helping graduating students from across the Northern Rivers who may not be able to afford formal wear to celebrate.

Mr Worling said the response from the students has been amazing and the charity was pleased to help them celebrate the end of their schooling.

“The last thing we want is someone not to go to their formal because they couldn’t afford an outfit,” he said.

Rivers Secondary College Lismore executive principal Chris Randle praised Thread Together and said the students have faced a tough last few years of school.

He said celebrating the end of schooling was an important milestone for the students.

“It allows our young people to transition from school life as a young adult, and they can celebrate it like everybody else in the state,” Mr Randle said.