Australians are struggling to shift an estimated $12.8 billion worth of pre-loved clothes according to a ‘Cost of Giving’ report commissioned by Uber in partnership with Australian Red Cross.
The two organisations say that the “goldmine” of clothes could be donated to raise valuable funds that can help support those affected by disasters and crises.
The report also found that the average Australian adult has 20 items of clothing that they haven’t worn in the past 12 months, worth an estimated value of $678.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of Australians said there are barriers to donating their clothes to charity, such as finding it emotionally challenging to part with their clothes, not being bothered to donate, or a lack of transport to op shops.
Respondents also have a tendency to put off delivering pre-loved items to ops shops, with the average Australian holding onto those items for another 24 days – over 3 weeks – on average.
Meanwhile, the ‘Cost of Giving’ report found four in five Aussies agree donating to a good cause makes them feel happy (82%), and that donating to good causes is more important now than ever (79%). Despite this, almost two thirds (61%) say they wish they donated to charity more.
With the cost of living reportedly rising, almost two thirds (63%) of Aussies say they are likely to go clothes shopping in their local op shop in the near future. As well as being cost-effecient, survey respondents admitted to discovering Louboutins, Gucci and Louis Vuitton bags, Armani coats, Levi Jeans and Hermes belts in their local op shops.
In the past year, Red Cross reported that it has extended the life of over 6 million items which may have otherwise been destined for landfill.
The overall response has buoyed both Uber and Australian Red Cross to bring their clothing drive initiative back as it calls on Australians to donate their pre-loved clothes.
On Saturday, November 19 between 10am and 4pm local time in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, users can book an Uber Package trip to have their donated items delivered to their local Red Cross Shop free of charge.
Australian Red Cross head of retail Richard Wood said that it’s important for the organisation to be ready as disasters become more frequent in Australia.
“By donating high quality, clean clothing and accessories via the Uber and Red Cross Clothing Drive, people in Australia can help Red Cross to support people and communities in vulnerable situations,” Wood said.
Uber ANZ director of rider operations Margarita Peker added that when they launched the drive prior to the pandemic, it secured 43,500 kilograms of donated clothing, worth an estimated $800,000 in value.
“Following a challenging couple of years, we’re calling on Australians to get behind Red Cross humanitarian programs again, with a bolder ambition of donating 55,000 kilograms of quality clothing,” Peker said.
Peker said she hopes this partnership will help remove te barriers preventing Australians from donating for one day.
“By simply booking an Uber Package trip, Aussies can donate pre-loved items gathering dust in their wardrobe with a tap of a button, and watch in real time as the delivery person transports them to temporary Red Cross drop off locations.”
The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 1,000 consumers in Australia between 12.10.22 - 18.10.22. The data was then weighted to match national representation across age and gender.
Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.