Aussies give record 148,000kg of pre-loved clothing in Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive

Aussies have once again shown their generosity, turning out across the country to donate a record 148,000kg of quality pre-loved clothing in just one day through this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive.

The nationwide initiative saw thousands of Aussies clear out their wardrobes on Saturday - taking place across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, and returning to Canberra this year. More than 11,000 Aussies took part by booking Courier trips via the Uber and Uber Eats apps to collect donations and deliver them to drop-off sites across the country.

This year’s drive was fronted by pop culture icon, Melanie C who donated five memorable pieces from her fashion archives including three tracksuits, a sequin suit and a little black Gucci dress.

Marking another major milestone for the eight-year partnership between Uber and Australian Red Cross, the 2026 Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive was the biggest yet - with a record 148,000kg of clothes donated.

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, says:

“The response to this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive has been nothing short of inspiring. Year after year, Aussies show up for their communities, and we are so proud that our platform can turn that generosity into real-world impact at scale. A huge thank you to everyone who booked a Courier trip, as well as drivers on the road and volunteers on the ground who made the day seamless. Together, we’ve collected a record amount of quality pre-loved clothes that will help fund vital support for people and communities who need it most.”

Richard Wood, Head of Australian Red Cross Retail, says:

“A huge thank you to everyone who donated to this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive. Every quality piece donated makes a real difference, helping our dedicated teams get items onto Australian Red Cross Shop floors faster, where they can be sold to raise critical funds for our humanitarian programs. Every year, Aussies show just how much of a difference a simple act of giving can make. What might be a much-loved piece of clothing to one person can help become meaningful support for someone else, and that’s the real power of this drive.”

The donated clothing is now being sorted for sale through Australian Red Cross Shops around the country, with proceeds helping fund vital humanitarian services and programs in Australia and overseas.

Imagery from the Clothing Drive, including volunteers in action and donated clothing, is available here for use in your reporting.

Media inquiries: media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443