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\u201cMaybe they\u2019re long-term unemployed, coming out of prison or out of a family violence situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no buying, or money changing hands. People get a gift card, meet with a volunteer, and have a whole shopping experience like anyone else would, seeing what suits and fits them.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are treated with dignity, and it\u2019s a beautifully supportive environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler said one third of all manufactured clothing is currently going to landfill, so the organisation has partnered with well-known fashion brands, and groups like Cafs, to divert those leftovers and keep communities cosy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything that doesn\u2019t sell, we go and collect that clothing from them. They don\u2019t have to pay a landfill change, a freight charge or warehousing charges, and we do that in partnership with Toll,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe bring that product back to or centralised distribution hub in Sydney. We\u2019ll receive a donation and then a huge army of volunteers, including from our corporate partners like the Commonwealth Bank and Afterpay, help us to sort the clothes into categories and sizes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ballarat Clothing Hub is one of four channels that we distribute to. Another is online where social services and registered charities agencies can log on, place orders, and build wardrobes.\u201d<\/p>\n
If the Ballarat Clothing Hub runs low on any stock, the network of volunteers will sort and distribute what they require.<\/p>\n
Ms Sturgess said Cafs \u201cloves the beautiful fit\u201d of the two organisations with their aligning values.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about how we can help the community, and those in our programs, in the most efficient, productive way. We also want to be sustainable, green, and lower our carbon footprint,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Mr Chesler said his organisation is reliant on fundraising to deliver the clothing service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe general public can make the biggest difference to us. It costs us $5 to provide a full brand-new wardrobe, or 20 to 30 units of clothing, to someone in need.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re helping 2000 people a week, so for at least $5 donors can help us clothe more people around the country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n