MORE than people have had their lives changed for the better thanks to Thread Together Queensland, a mobile wardrobe in a van that launched a year ago in Brisbane. Thread Together is a global first nationally, dedicated to taking excess new clothing from manufacturers and designers and redistributing it to vulnerable people within the community at no cost to the recipient.
Thread Together has celebrated its first year of providing for those in need in Queensland. Thread Together national CEO Anthony Chesler said he was thrilled with the partnership and the difference we were making in the community. This builds confidence and self-esteem to enable people to start to rebuild their lives.
During the Omicron outbreak, the van had to be taken off the road and volunteer availability had to be reduced. At times, and most recently in January this year, we have had to have our van off the road and volunteer availability reduced to decrease community transmission of the virus. Ms Littmann-Kelly said one of the wonderful things about Thread Together is seeing what it means to the community — with many people never having had access to brand new clothing. In the long term, we are hoping to expand into the north coast, and on the Gold Coast would be a great area too.
Thread Together was founded in by Andie Halas, whose family owned the successful swimwear manufacturer, Seafolly. Andie saw the potential for excess, new clothing to support people in need. Through Thread Together, companies with too much can give to people that have too little. 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.
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. Currently There are numerous charities and organisations that cater to providing shelter and food — though Thread Together is the only major organization that redistributes excess new clothing to those in need.
