By Neve Brissenden
Australians are being urged to order an Uber to pick up their unwanted clothes in an effort to chip away at more than $20 billion worth of items sitting unused in wardrobes across the country.
On Saturday, October 19, residents in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth will be able to call up a free Uber Package delivery to Red Cross shops between 10am and 4pm local time.
Research commissioned by the charity reveals 70 per cent of Australians hold on to clothing for years after it has gone unworn for at least 12 months, even though more than half nominate clothes as their preferred donation.
Red Cross is also encouraging Australians to buy second-hand, as research shows more than 90 per cent have donated to op shops, but only one in 10 admit to regularly shopping there.Credit: Wolter Peeters
More than 60 per cent of respondents to an online survey of 1000 adults also admitted donating damaged clothing, yet only 13 per cent said they would consider buying damaged goods themselves.
Several barriers were also stopping people from donating.
Nearly half the respondents said they felt they had nothing to give, despite only one in 50 wearing everything in their wardrobe, while a quarter conceded nostalgia meant a reluctance to part with certain items.
One in five said they struggled to donate because it was time-consuming or they didn’t live close enough to a charity.
But the bottom line is, 84 per cent of Australians are holding on to unused clothes that they won’t donate.
Red Cross head of retail Richard Wood said this year, the organisation was placing renewed emphasis on attracting quality contributions.
“We’re incredibly appreciative of all donations,” he said. “But with this clothing drive, we’re encouraging Aussies to donate better, focusing on quality clothing that can be sold in Australian Red Cross shops.
“These quality pieces can make a huge difference in proceeds raised for our humanitarian programs.”
A similar collaboration happened in 2023, when Red Cross aimed to collect 60,000 kilograms of clothing – enough to stock all of its shops for two years.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr was enlisted to promote last year’s clothing drive, which involved more than 10,000 Uber Package trips.Credit: Nathan Perri/Supplied
Wood is also encouraging Australians to buy second-hand, as the research reveals more than 90 per cent have donated to charity shops, but only one in 10 admit to regularly shopping there.
Uber’s managing director, Emma Foley, said the ride-share giant wanted to help Australians donate clothing they’d be happy to give a friend – direct from their doorstep and free of charge.
Donated clothing and eligible accessories must be in good condition and boxed in packages no heavier than 20 kilograms.
For more information go to redcross.org.au/clothingdrive.
AAP