Those clothes sitting in your closet? They could change lives this weekend

Your wardrobe might be overflowing, but there’s a chance to make a real difference without even leaving your house.

This weekend, Aussies can turn unused clothes into support for people who need it most.

And the best part? You won’t lift a finger beyond packing your pre-loved items.

Uber and Red Cross Clothing Drive Returns

Uber and the Australian Red Cross are teaming up again for the much-loved Clothing Drive, calling on Australians to donate clothing to support critical disaster response and humanitarian projects.

On Saturday, 18 October, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, residents in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth can book an Uber Package trip to deliver their donations to a local Red Cross Shop at no cost.

No hauling heavy bags to the op shop, no excuses—just a simple, free way to declutter while giving back.

Aussies are sitting on an estimated 231 million items of clothing that haven’t been worn in the past 12 months, with the average adult holding 20 unused items in their wardrobe.

Convenience is often the biggest barrier to donating, with many people putting off delivering pre-loved items for an extra 24 days on average—over three weeks.

How to Take Part

Residents in eligible cities can open the Uber or Uber Eats app, tap on the Red Cross Clothing Drive tile, and book a $0 Courier pick-up.

Donations should be clean, good-quality clothing and accessories packed in a bag or box under 20kg.

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber ANZ, said last year's drive collected 80,000kg of clothing, and she hopes this year’s event will be even bigger.

Why Donations Matter

The Australian Red Cross added: 'Disasters are becoming more frequent and intense in Australia, and it's so important that we are ready to respond.'

Funds raised from the sale of donated clothes directly support Red Cross humanitarian programs—from disaster relief to community support services.

Only quality items should be donated—clothing you’d be happy to give to a friend. Worn-out garments, dirty clothes, and homewares cannot be accepted.

With the average household holding hundreds of dollars' worth of unworn fashion, the initiative is a chance to reclaim space, reduce waste, and support vulnerable Australians—all without leaving the house.

Spring Cleaning Tips

'Steam is your BFF for hidden nasties,' said professional cleaner Jason Shipway, explaining that steam cleaning doesn’t just clean but sanitises, killing bacteria, mould spores, and dust mites without harsh chemicals.

He also advises thinking beyond the surface. 'The air in your home needs a spring clean too,' he said, noting that humid air encourages mould and musty smells, while dry air can irritate your throat and affect sleep.

Your vacuum’s biggest job is dust busting. Jason recommends vacuuming walls and ceilings at least once a year to cut down on dust that falls back when fans or air-conditioning run.

Finally, he cautioned: 'It's not a race. Pick one zone at a time; small wins build momentum, and that’s how you get through the whole house without feeling overwhelmed.'

While donating clothes is a simple way to give back, not all contributions have the impact we hope for.

Some items can cause more hassle than help if charities aren’t able to use them properly.

For a closer look at what to watch out for and how to make sure your donations truly help, this next story is a must-read.

Read more: Shocking Discovery Exposes the Dark Side of Donating – What Vinnies Wants You to Know Now!

Could your unused wardrobe be the key to helping Australians in need this weekend?