A new clothing hub is scheduled to open in Eden next week, redistributing excess end-of-line, new clothing, shoes and accessories to people in need, while simultaneously tackling waste which often occurs within the fashion industry.
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Thread Together is a not-for-profit charity providing products through a network of charities and social service agencies to Australians in need.
In partnership with St Vincent de Paul, a Thread Together clothing hub will open in Eden on Wednesday, October 28.
The store aims to assist families who have been affected by the bushfires of last summer and also the unemployed, people sleeping rough, Indigenous communities and people affected by COVID, to name a few target groups.
Founder Andie Halas realised in 2012 there was an industry problem regarding disposal of incorrectly designed garments and knew landfill was not an ethical or sustainable option.
So she sought to redistribute products among vulnerable people who needed clothing and accessories, offering an ideal solution for end-of-life, new products.
Ms Halas brought on board a cohort of fashion labels and with the necessary philanthropic support Thread Together started warehousing new clothing that would be distributed to anyone in need across Australia via charities and social service agencies who assist Thread Together to triage the need.
Today, Thread Together is clothing up to 2000 people each week and supports hundreds of charities - from Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army to Dress for Success, a list of charity partners can be found here.
Presently there are over 200 fashion partners who have saved over 2.5 million pieces of clothing from landfill, clothing more than 350,000 people.
In the chain of distribution, Thread Together employs and re-engages long term unemployed people, those on work for the dole, general volunteers, as well as corporate volunteers.
Currently 13.3 per cent of the population live below the poverty line in Australia - this equates to approximately 3.3 million people.
After the recent devastating bushfires, Thread Together established temporary clothing hubs in evacuation centres on the North Coast and South Coast of NSW and in Mallacoota in Victoria .
Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler said the organisation is reliant on philanthropic support and for a $5 donation, can provide a new wardrobe to a person in need.
"Thread Together is the most ethical response to fashion excess and is grateful for all the clothing we receive, as well as the network of charities and social service agencies that assist us to clothe individuals, families and communities in need," he said.
Thread Together has a similar store in Moruya in partnership with Anglicare that has been running for 8 months.
The clothing hub opening in Eden will take place on Wednesday, October 28 at Shop 7, Twofold Arcade, 146 Imlay St.
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