Have you ever thought about what happens to all the clothes your favourite fashion brand doesn’t sell?
Turns out they’re destined for landfill; and for most brands around 30 percent of their stock every year is dumped. (That’s a lot of very well-dressed ibises!)
But one Australian organisation is working to make sure those unwanted clothes end up in good hands.
Thread Together redirects unsold clothing to people in need, whether they’re facing systemic disadvantage or have lost everything after a natural disaster.
Collaborating with over 2,000 fashion brands and retailers, their team of 600 volunteers collects unsold clothing and distribute them to people via 3,000 charity partners and various channels.
Their extensive operation includes many different facets, including a digital wardrobe – an online platform that supports rural and remote communities across the country; and physical stores in 11 locations around Victoria.
There’s a mobile outreach fleet of 11 vehicles that responds to natural disasters, that’s currently operating in Townsville, Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Ballarat, and Geelong.
They also offer wardrobe and capsule services that provide immediate clothing access to women and children in shelters.
Morris Family Foundation has a three-year funding agreement with Thread Together, providing $50,000 per year over that period under its community grants program.
VIDEO: Watch how Thread Together is changing people’s lives →