Aussies are being urged to have a clear-out for op shops – but not to donate fast fashion pieces and only give clothes they’d like to buy themselves.
Research says $20 billion dollars worth of clothes that could be donated to charity shops are sitting idle in Aussie wardrobes, with 84 per cent of people admitting to having clothes they never wear.
The study by Uber and Red Cross Australia revealed more than 70 per cent of Australians hold onto clothing for years after it has gone unworn for at least a year.
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That’s despite more than half of Aussie saying donating clothes is their preferred way of helping charities.
The research found another disparity between Australians’ donation and shopping behaviours.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents confessed to donating damaged clothing, while almost no one said they’d buy that.
Aussies also said they’re hunting for bargains on pricey items such as designer coats or unique clothing at op shops.
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But less than 20 per cent admit to giving these kinds of items, with synthetic ‘fast-fashion’ clothing being the most common donation.
This year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive’s free clothing pick-up is planned for Saturday October 19.
“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,” Richard Wood, Head of Retail at Red Cross Australia, said.
By offering free ‘Uber Package’ delivery to Red Cross Shop drop off locations across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, Uber is making it easier than ever to donate quality pre-loved clothing to those in need.
Open the Uber app between 10am and 4pm that day and scroll to the Red Cross Clothing Drive image to arrange.
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