Thread Together strengthen existing partnership with social justice charity Anglicare, bolstered by the Commonwealth Bank’s support of new mobile wardrobe service
A dedicated mobile wardrobe van based in Wagga Wagga will service Wagga and regional NSW, enabling new clothing, shoes and accessories to be distributed to those in need.
Thread Together’s new specially outfitted mobile wardrobe vans will provide access and choice to beautiful new clothing to the people of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region, providing them with much needed clothing in a dignified way. The mobile wardrobe van, sponsored by Commonwealth Bank will be facilitated and run by charity partner, Anglicare.
Anglicare with Thread Together, assessed the needs of the Wagga Wagga community as being some of the hardest hit communities and decided that the Mobile Wardrobe based in Wagga would be an asset to the greater Riverina region. The impact of sustained drought and the socioeconomic effects earlier this year resulted in those already struggling communities then being ravaged by bushfires, these areas have now been further compounded by the impact of vast job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commonwealth Bank’s support of Thread Together forms part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to assist those impacted by domestic and family violence, under of its Next Chapter program. With instances of domestic and family violence often increasing in times of disaster, Thread Together’s mobile wardrobe will play a vital role in better equipping the local community to provide ongoing support after a tumultuous time. With the support from Commonwealth Bank, the mobile wardrobe will also focus on providing services to victims and survivors of domestic and family violence through women’s refuges and other aligned charity partners in the local area.
Wagga Wagga is an important service delivery hub to Anglicare, through this new partnership with Thread Together, teams from Wagga will drive the mobile wardrobe van to visit the community in and around Wagga, including nearby communities of Batlow, Adelong, Tumut and Tumbarumba which were impacted by the 2020 bushfires. The service will also support drought-affected, economically-distressed communities west of Parkes. All visits are established through local referral connections such as community health providers, local school principals, mental health providers and emergency relief services.
Anglicare CEO, Jeremy Halcrow said, “We’re extremely excited about our partnership with Thread Together and what this will mean for families in the Wagga region. Our mission is to support vulnerable families, especially those in regional communities who can often be overlooked. Everyone should be able to access clothing that gives them dignity. This is what Thread Together does so well through their new clothing options. Practically, this partnership means that vulnerable people attending job interviews or going to work can do so dressed with confidence, and families can receive new clothing for their children. Having an organisation like the Commonwealth Bank also coming on board to offer their support with this initiative is incredibly encouraging and will make a real difference in local communities.”
Fitted out by Storepro, as a specially formulated walk-in wardrobe, the mobile wardrobe vans are fully merchandised with brand new clothing and accessories from socks to hats and coats, allowing for the charity to be able to assist a great number of people with practical help.
“Thread Together offers a vital service bringing good quality clothing to those in need – including people impacted by domestic and family violence – and we’re so pleased to partner with them to help bring a new mobile wardrobe to the Wagga region. This is a great initiative to support the local community during what has been a challenging year to date,”said Sara Sutton, Regional General Manager Commonwealth Bank.
“The Commonwealth Bank has a commitment to supporting individuals and families across Australia who are doing it tough. Together with their commitment to help support people experiencing financial abuse through their industry leading program, ‘Commbank Next Chapter’, CBA’s ongoing understanding and commitment to help in rural NSW and Australia is critical to this initiative.” said Anthony Chesler, CEO of Thread Together, “The Commonwealth Bank’s support of Australians in times of need, in particular those affected by natural disasters in rural and remote Australia is unrivalled. We are proud to have their ongoing support to enable us to continue to help clothe Australians in need.”
About Thread Together
Thread Together was founded in 2012 by Andie Halas who saw the potential for excess, new clothing to support people in need. By collaborating with some of Australia’s largest clothing suppliers and connecting social service agencies, Thread Together has been able to change the future of people in crisis, as well as the future lifecycle of clothing and accessories. Through Thread Together, companies with too much can give to people that have too little.
Thread Together now clothes up to 2,000 people each week and supports hundreds of charities – from Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army to Dress for Success. Thread Together employs and reengages long term unemployed people, those on work for the dole, general volunteers as well as corporate volunteers as charity engagement activities. “Our model is very simple. We collect end-of-line brand stock from clothing providers. With the support of volunteers, the clothes are sorted by age, gender, and purpose, and then redistributed to people in need through charities and social service agencies across Australia. I think of it as redistributive justice,” says Andie Halas.
Currently 13.3 % of the population live below the poverty line in Australia – this equates to approximately 3.3 million people. There are numerous charities and organisations that cater to providing shelter and food – though Thread Together is the only major organisation that redistributes excess new clothing to those in need.
