Uber is helping Australian Red Cross collect $1m in second-hand stock for Red Cross Shops.

On Sunday, May 28, an Uber driver will pick up, for free, donated second-hand clothing to be sold in Red Cross Shops.

The Uber clothing drive will take place in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Geelong, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth.

Third Sector had a chat to Keira Morris-Akeroyd, Red Cross Corporate Development Executive, about this initiative and the benefits of partnering with Uber.

Could you tell us more about the donation drive this weekend? 

The clothing drive is all about using our technology to help make it easy for people to donate pre-loved clothing to their local Red Cross shop. Uber drivers will be picking up pre-loved clothing donations from the homes of generous Australians and take them to Red Cross Shops. These donations will then be sold, raising money to help the most vulnerable people around Australia and overseas.

Why is it important to partner with companies such as Uber?

The invaluable work Australian Red Cross does to support communities in need would not be possible without the support of a wide variety of individuals and organisations. By working with Uber, Red Cross is able to extend its reach to Uber’s customers and staff; giving them the opportunity to help Red Cross Shops generate funds that will help to support our work in communities across Australia and around the world.

Why did you choose to partner with Uber?

We’re excited to be working with an organisation that has great technology and an extensive network of drivers that make donating to Red Cross Shops simple and easy. More than that, this campaign is a fantastic way for people all across Australia to show their generosity and empathy.

 Why do you think CSR is important for businesses? 

Businesses who support Australian Red Cross have the opportunity to help us effect change for vulnerable individuals and communities across Australia and around the world.  When organisations show they are committed to improving their communities they’re rewarded by their staff, customers and investors.

Any plans to work with Uber again?

This is the second clothing drive we’ve run with Uber, who also support us through other initiatives such as Uber Transport  and uberSLEIGH, a gift collection campaign we ran with them at the end of 2016. At Red Cross, we aim to have long-term relationships that that help us to achieve our big strategic goals. As such, we hope to continue to work with Uber to help us achieve these goals.