Vinnies shops call for more winter donations following increase in demand

With the current cost-of-living crisis driving increasing numbers of individuals and families to source their clothing second-hand, Vinnies shops have seen an increase in demand for winter gear very early in the season, as well as a significant drop in the number of donations. 

As stocks of winter gear are running low, Vinnies is asking Australians to look through their wardrobes for any clean warm clothing or blankets of good quality that are no longer needed, and to donate them at their local Vinnies shop during business hours. 

With over 10,000 additional customers hitting Vinnies NSW shops in the last year, there is a huge demand for winter products around the state. Sales of womens jackets, coats, knitwear and pants has grown by 11% compared to previous years, while sales of winter accessories such as beanies and scarves has risen by 12%.

As well as offering value for money prices on a range of pre-loved goods, donating and shopping at Vinnies goes a lot further than just restocking your winter wardrobe. With over 200 shops in NSW, the retail network is a vital source of revenue to enable programs and services operated by Vinnies. Funds raised from sales go straight back into local communities, helping people who are struggling to make ends meet this winter.  

A purchase to the value of $20 can help provide a meal in our services so vulnerable people don’t go to bed hungry; buying a new jacket worth $57 can help provide a night of accommodation to someone experiencing homelessness; spending $72 can help provide essentials like clothing for someone escaping domestic and family violence; filling up your shopping basket to the value of $110 can help someone put petrol in their car so they can go to work and pay their rent. 

Vinnies members assisted more than 95,000 people in the last financial year, providing more than $13 million in financial and material aid. More than a third of people were seeking assistance for the first time and 82% of people received assistance with food, while 44% of people were in housing stress.

Find out more about what you can donate.