Clothing drive collects 54,183 kilograms in six hours

People in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch donated 54,183 kilograms of pre-loved clothing.

It was the fourth year communities in those three cities have come together for the drive. The clothing and accessories will be sorted and processed for sale at Red Cross Shops nationwide.

Money raised by the shops supports New Zealand Red Cross humanitarian work, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. That work helps people facing vulnerability, disaster and crisis.

Talei Kitchingman, Director of Retail at New Zealand Red Cross, thanked everyone who donated clothing, gave their time and helped spread the word. Kitchingman also acknowledged the drive’s partners for working alongside the organisation.

The drive in numbers

The clothing was collected in just six hours. That works out at an average of about 9,031 kilograms an hour, or 151 kilograms a minute.

Last year’s drive collected more than 64,000 kilograms of donated clothing.

Sorting events

People who missed the drive can still help. New Zealand Red Cross is holding several sorting events in October and November to process the donated goods and get them ready for sale.

There are eight locations: seven in Auckland and one in Wellington. Volunteers work in a team, sorting donations into saleable and unsaleable items, with guidance provided. They also weigh and record items, hang and steam them, and attach tickets ready for pricing.

Red Cross is looking for friendly people who take initiative and enjoy teamwork. Volunteers should wear flat, comfortable, closed-in shoes, because the tasks involve standing or moving for long periods. They should also bring water and ID for their first shift.

Gloves, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Some lifting of bulky items may be needed, so volunteers with accessibility needs are asked to say so.

Volunteer in a shop

Another option is to volunteer as a retail assistant at a local Red Cross Shop. The shops run from Dargaville to Invercargill, and they range from smaller shops to large super stores.

Shop managers match tasks to each volunteer’s skills, experience and interests. Tasks can include handling cash, serving customers, sorting, hanging and ticketing donated items, and keeping the shop tidy with displays and neat racks. Training is provided for shop tasks as needed.

Anyone with support needs, such as help related to health, wellbeing or a disability, can email [email protected] before applying. People can also shop at, and donate quality items to, their local Red Cross Shop.