BEC + BRIDGE X THREAD TOGETHER

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BE WHERE YOU ARE TODAY WITH THREAD TOGETHER?

Thread Together has achieved remarkable growth since its inception. Starting out of a shipping container, the organisation has expanded to a 1600 sqm warehouse and fulfillment centre, and has prevented tonnes of clothing from ending up in landfills. The organisation has also made a tremendous impact on the lives of many Australians. It has clothed over 2000 people every week, providing them with a sense of dignity and care.

In addition to the regular operations, Thread Together has also played a critical role in responding to natural disasters, such as floods and fires. We were the first responder to the recent floods that affected many Australian communities. The organisation has also expanded its footprint by opening clothing hubs across the country to provide a dignified shopping experience to those in need.

Moreover, we are installing wardrobes with a capsule of loungewear, underwear and sleepwear into crisis accommodation centres or women’s shelters around the country. These wardrobes provide much-needed support to women who have recently escaped from domestic violence.

One of our most notable achievements has been the holistic approach to the fashion industry. We recognise that creating a circular fashion economy requires collaboration and innovation at every level, from design to manufacturing to sale to reuse, repair, repurpose, recycle into new yarn, and then remake products. Thread Together has been at the forefront of this movement, providing support and guidance to fashion brands, governments, and consumers alike.

Overall, we are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all Australians and to do this we need to continue to be innovative, collaborate and continue to show compassion.

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS:

Clothing more than 500,000 people in need: Thread Together has clothed more than 500,000 people in need across Australia, including those affected by natural disasters, domestic violence, homelessness, and other crises.

Diverting textile waste from landfills: Thread Together has diverted thousands of tonnes of textile waste from landfills by repurposing unwanted clothes and textiles, giving them a new life and purpose.

Supporting Aboriginal communities: Thread Together has supported Aboriginal communities, particularly youth in Northern Territory, by providing them with new clothes and footwear.

Providing dignity and care to those in need: Thread Together provides a dignified and caring service to those in need, ensuring they are treated with respect and care during a difficult time in their lives.

First responders to natural disasters: Thread Together responds immediately and is ready to mobilise on the ground to support people impacted by natural disasters such as floods and fires.

Mobile wardrobes: Thread Together has expanded its fleet of mobile wardrobes to 9, which allows them to provide their service to local and remote communities across Australia.

Clothing hubs: Thread Together has established clothing hubs across Australia, providing a no-cost service to those in need.

Wardrobe and capsule collection: Thread Together has responded to the immediacy of needs of womens and children when they present themselves at crisis accommodation by providing essential new clothing to them on arrival.

WHAT DRIVES YOUR PASSION TO REDUCE EXCESS WASTE FROM THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

My passion to reduce excess waste in the fashion industry is fueled by the growing demand among men, women, and children in our communities nationwide who do not have access to essential clothes coupled with the increased burden fashion excess has on the environment.

We recognise the enormous volume of brand-new clothing that would end up in landfill if it were not for these efforts. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the vulnerability of so many people, Thread Together understands the significant impact that providing essential new clothing can have in reducing their burden.

We also have a non-judgmental approach which enables us to help anyone in need, including those facing homelessness, domestic violence, and those re-entering the workforce, among other groups. Thread Together's provision of a wide variety of new clothing choices restores the dignity and self-worth of those we assist daily.

Moreover, we recognise the environmental impact of textile waste and are committed to promoting sustainable fashion and a circular economy, by extending the life cycle of clothing through reuse and extending the life of the garments.

In summary, our dedication to reducing excess waste in the fashion industry is driven by the increasing demand for clothing among vulnerable communities and the recognition of the environmental impact of textile waste.

We are committed to promoting sustainable fashion and restoring dignity of those in need through the provision of new clothing by providing choice which has a significant impact on both people and our fragile planet.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THREAD TOGETHER FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

The fashion industry has made progress towards clothing circularity, but more needs to be done. As a first step, if a brand ends up with any unsold clothes at the end of season, please donate these products to us and we will be able to put it on the backs of people who need it most.

In the next five years, circular business models, innovative recycling and upcycling technologies, and collaboration across the industry will drive progress.

Thread Together believes that the industry's main priority is transitioning to a true circular model that is environmentally sustainable with onshore options. Designing for longevity, reducing waste, reusing and repurposing materials, implementing take-back programs, supporting repair and maintenance, utilising innovative technology, and collaboration are key components to achieving this goal. Government support is crucial in promoting sustainable practices and implementing regulations and policies that incentivise sustainable practices and discourage environmentally harmful ones.

By prioritising these initiatives, the fashion industry can move towards a more sustainable and circular model, reducing waste and creating a more responsible industry.

WHAT STEPS DO YOU THINK THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION INDUSTRY CAN TAKE TO MAKE LASTING CHANGE?

Over the next five years, Thread Together will focus on its core mission of diverting new clothing from landfill and providing it to those in need with dignity, perhaps beyond our borders.

In addition, Thread Together will continue to focus our efforts on becoming a first responder to natural disasters and we are aiming to increase our national footprint through each of our distribution channels.

Thread Together is also working hard to become a holistic solution for stakeholders in the fashion industry to collaborate on sustainable and circular solutions for managing fashion excess and end-of-life products.

We are excited to start exploring different approaches to working with fashion excess, in line with the waste hierarchy, to promote a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry.

Ultimately, Thread Together is committed to protecting the planet and ensuring the dignity of all people within it.

DONATE

You can provide a new wardrobe to someone in need for as little as $5. Submit your donation for as little or much as you like, as a once off or recurring donation.