On Saturday, October 18, users in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington can order a car to collect up to 20kg of items stored in a bag or box through the Uber or Uber Eats app.<\/p>\n
Emma Foley, Uber Australia and New Zealand\u2019s managing director.<\/p>\n
Last year about 3500 free trips were recorded on the day, bringing in about seven tonnes of clothing every hour or 42 tonnes overall, with special donations such as a tailored suit worn by homegrown star Colin Mathura-Jeffree.<\/p>\n
\u201cKiwis want to donate, but our research shows they often get stuck at the final step,\u201d Foley told the Herald.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout 60% of New Zealanders say they would be more likely to donate clothing if it was more convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Kiwis are proactive at donating their clothes, finding the right time to do so can feel like a gargantuan task, especially if the drop-off points aren\u2019t in the areas usually frequented.<\/p>\n
Foley said offering free collections removes the \u201cbarriers of time and transport\u201d, ensuring good-quality clothing is given a second life and continues to fund support for underserved communities.<\/p>\n
Talei Kitchingman, NZ Red Cross\u2019s director of retail, told the Herald their main goal is to collect \u201cquality, pre-loved clothing\u201d that their customers would love.<\/p>\n
For one day only, donors can order free Uber Courier trips to collect up to 20kg of clothing through the Uber or Uber Eats app. Photo \/ 123rf<\/p>\n
\u201cOur research shows that one of the significant \u2018pain points\u2019 for donors is the physical transfer of donations to a shop,\u201d she said, describing the collaboration as an enabler for completing a donation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat in turn allows us to deliver more positive humanitarian impact through the services we provide locally, nationally and globally.\u201d<\/p>\n
The non-profit humanitarian organisation touches almost every corner of society, supporting vulnerable people through emergencies and disasters, helping refugees resettle in Aotearoa, providing first-aid training, delivering meals and running the Red Cross Shops, to name a few of its activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese donations can make a lasting difference, and their support during the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive means the world to the people whose lives they are helping.\u201d<\/p>\n