Need a good kick in the pants to start your spring clean-out? Well, it’s time to roll up those sleeves. On Saturday, October 18, Uber will pick up your pre-loved clothes and deliver them to the Australian Red Cross for free. It’s a win-win for everyone. Your wardrobe will get a mini Marie Kondo makeover, while you help the Red Cross raise funds for those in need.
If your room is filled with mounds of clothes you haven’t touched in months, you’re not alone. Research conducted by Uber and Red Cross Australia revealed that there’s currently $25 billion worth of unused clothing – or 231 million pieces –gathering dust in Aussie wardrobes. That’s billions, with a B, folks!
Last year, the donation drive (get it?) collected almost 90,000 kilograms in a single day – and they’re hoping to top that in 2025.
Before you start shoving all your bits and bobs into bags, you’ll need to make sure that your clothes and accessories meet the donation criteria. The Red Cross doesn’t want your stretched undies, stained jumpers or that shirt you wore paintballing last year. Nor will they accept homewares, electronics or children’s clothes. The charity is on the lookout for high-quality, vintage, retro and designer pieces to resell in their op shops. As a rule of thumb, if it’s something you’d feel great about giving to a friend, then it’s perfect to donate.
You need to be located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth to take part in the free clothing drive on Saturday, October 18. Don’t forget, it’s free, so you literally have no excuses.
To donate, all you need to do is:
- Pack your pre-loved items into a bag or box that will fit in a regular car boot (maximum of 20 kilograms)
- Open the Uber app between 10am and 4pm
- Scroll to the Red Cross Clothing Drive image and tap on it
- Make sure 'Red Cross Clothing Drive’ is set as the drop-off location
- If you're in an eligible city, the Red Cross Clothing Drive promotion should automatically apply (so check the trip shows as $0)
- Confirm and wait for your driver to arrive
All items collected will be delivered to the Australian Red Cross, with the funds raised helping support people facing vulnerability around the country. You can find out more here.