This start-up charity with strong roots in the fashion industry is travelling around Australia to provide clothing apparel for Aussie communities that are in need.
2020 is not an easy year for many, with communities affected by the devastating bushfires earlier this year and the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic continuing to change our situation. All the crisis brought the fashion industry to their knees, but a group of Australian designers have put their struggles aside to help communities get back on their feet.
The most affected people are now able to access much-needed clothes and accessories. Thanks to Thread Together’s mobile wardrobes, you can travel around the country and provide families with winter clothes from some Australian designers.
Founded by Andie Halas in 2012, the charity helps to provide clothing from retailers to people in need and redistribute excess stock that may end up in the landfill. In these 8 years’ time, Halas brought this endeavour that considered one of the Australian fashion industry’s most important chains in the fashion life cycle. Bringing a new journey to the clothes and proving how valuable they are to people in need.
The mobile van is stocked with various apparel including jumpers, jeans, shoes and accessories, serving the communities on the north and south coast of NSW. Presently, Thread Together collaborates with over 200 fashion partners including The Iconic and General Pants. As a result, they’ve saved over 2.5 million pieces of clothing. And now, they helped clothe more than 350,000 people, up to 2000 people each week.
“Difficult times can happen to any of us at any time. The core of Thread Together began with the idea that people at their lowest point deserve the best, not the worst. Fast Forward eight years and that belief has been proven over and over again. Certainly, my most recent trip to the South Coast highlighted this. People lost everything, from their homes to their underpants and most importantly their photos and their life stories,“ Halas told Marie Claire.
Making a difference
The current pandemic has taken most of the public attention, but Thread Together is working to help the ‘minority’ that we may have forgotten. Thousands of Australian families lost their home and belongings to the bushfire crisis just 5 months ago. The van is helping those vulnerable, also for people leaving prison, aged-care residents and the homeless in city centres.
“People are still living in very difficult circumstances. The new clothes we provided not only replaced lost items but they provided warmth and conversation. When I was there, it wasn’t about throwing old clothes at people, it was about taking the time to choose what they wanted and most importantly to hear their stories,” said Halas.
The Australian fashion industry is now working not just like the clothing manufacturers, they are one of the community members. They’re bringing brightness, dignity and hope for people in need with Thread Together. We, as general public can also help by donating just $5 extra when you do your next online shopping. Together, we can support each other and strengthen our community.
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