Charities Latest News Donation

Australians sitting on $18.5B worth of pre-loved clothes that could be donated to charity shops

Menchie Khairuddin October 12, 2023

2 min read

Nearly half of Australians (43%) admit to grappling with ‘donation paralysis’ – a growing phenomenon that reflects a desire to contribute to charitable causes but uncertainty about the most effective ways to do so.

According to a new ‘Cost of Giving’ report commissioned by Uber and Australian Red Cross, the rise in the cost of living is taking a toll on Australians’ ability to give back with almost half (48%) of Australians expressing a desire to donate more to charity but citing financial constraints as a significant hurdle.

The report shows the average Australian has 24 pieces of clothing (weighing 10kg) worth $952 in their wardrobes that haven’t been worn in the past 12 months. Collectively, the nation possesses an estimated $18.5 billion worth of pre-loved clothing that could be donated to support the much-needed funds for Australian communities in need.

A staggering 97% of Aussies admit they have clothing sitting in the wardrobe that they haven’t worn in the past 12 months, which could be donated, providing a simple way to raise much-needed funds for Australian communities in need. Of those who donate their clothes to charity, four-fifths (82%) leave their unwanted clothes sitting in donation bags for up to three months. Notably, 12% of participants admitted they had never donated clothing or shoes to charity.

“We know many Aussies are feeling the pinch, but it’s not just financial donations that can make a difference,” said Australian Red Cross Head of Retail Richard Wood.

To help support local communities, Uber and Australian Red Cross are urging Australians to take action and declutter their wardrobes by taking advantage of the Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive – a free clothing pick-up on Saturday 21st October.

“There are so many ways people can donate to support those in need, including donating quality items of clothing, shopping at an Australian Red Cross store or volunteering your time,” added Wood.

“Australian Red Cross brings people and communities together in times of need and by participating in the Clothing Drive, you are enabling us to raise funds to continue delivering this work.”

According to General Manager of Uber ANZ Dom Taylor, with natural disasters repeatedly wreaking havoc on some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities, they want to ensure Aussies know that they can make a significant contribution to supporting communities without having to open their wallets.

“The Uber and Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive makes it easier than ever for Aussies to donate their pre-loved clothing by offering free picks up directly from their doorstep to Australian Red Cross sorting centres on Saturday 21st October.”

“It’s a no-brainer; if you want to support vulnerable Aussie communities but aren’t sure how to beyond cash donations or volunteering your time, consider spring cleaning your wardrobe and donating your preloved clothing,” Taylor concluded.

Menchie Khairuddin

Website | + posts

Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.