Uber and the Red Cross have partnered once again to bring back the annual Clothing Drive for 2024 in aid of charity.
New research has confirmed that Kiwis are holding high-quality, unworn clothing valued at NZD $1.45 billion in wardrobes across New Zealand. The research, commissioned by Uber ahead of its annual Clothing Drive with New Zealand Red Cross, looked into Kiwis’ habits around donating and charity store shopping, showing that the average Kiwi wears just 30 percent of their clothes regularly, leaving plenty of unworn clothing which could be donated to support charity.
The research also revealed that the average Kiwi does a spring clean of their wardrobe every six months, but 63 percent of clothes sit in a bag for over two weeks before finally being donated, with over 13 percent wait over four months.
Hoping to inspire more Kiwis to declutter their wardrobes and make donating easier, Uber and New Zealand Red Cross are once again teaming up for the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive on Saturday 19 October 2024.
Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber ANZ, said the Clothing Donation Drive represents a great opportunity for Uber’s technology to support Red Cross’ work and take away the barrier of travelling to a charity shop to donate clothing.
“Last year’s clothing drive showed how much of a difference high-quality clothing donations can make to support New Zealand Red Cross. This year, we’re encouraging Kiwis to donate their good quality and unused items that often sit in the back of the wardrobe. Uber Package makes it simple, convenient, and free to send donations where they’re needed most, helping New Zealanders to give better and easier,” said Foley.
Building on last year’s drive which saw 56,000 kilograms of clothing donated, the Drive allows Kiwis in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch to book a free Uber Package to collect their clothing donations between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, 19 October, making it easier than ever to donate quality clothes directly from their doorsteps. This year, New Zealand Red Cross is asking for high quality clothing donations to support their programmes for vulnerable Kiwis.
“The Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive provides an opportunity for Kiwis to simply and easily donate high quality clothing to Red Cross Shops, which helps to fund our humanitarian work. People shop at Red Cross Shops to find something special and to shop sustainably. We really appreciate our donors and those who shop with us,” said Talei Kitchingman, Director of Retail at New Zealand Red Cross.
Donating clothes is the preferred method of supporting charity for nearly half (49 percent) of Kiwis, and 85 percent donate clothing to charity at least once a year. Despite that, finding the time to get to a donation location is often a barrier.
The research also uncovered some of the most exciting thrift finds. For instance, one Kiwi shared that they had discovered a vintage dress that ended up in a museum’s collection, another scored an Armani suit for $20, and lots of respondents have just found core pieces that they love wearing and get compliments through the years. Big ticket items like jackets and coats are the most desired items for Kiwi op shoppers.
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