- Uber and the New Zealand Red Cross are bringing back their annual clothing drive.
- The drive takes place between 10am and 4pm on the 17th of October in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
- Users can book an Uber to collect their donation through the Uber and Uber Eats apps.
Uber and the New Zealand Red Cross are bringing back their annual clothing drive on Saturday, 17 October 2026, using Uber's driver network to transport donated clothes across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Running from 10:00 am to 4:00pm, the service lets residents schedule a free courier trip through the Uber or Uber Eats app to send unwanted garments directly to Red Cross shops.
From a practical loading standpoint, donations must be packed into a bag or box weighing no more than 20kg so they can fit easily inside the boot of a standard midsize car. Once booked, donors simply meet the courier driver at their door or kerbside for the handoff.
The doorstep collection aims to clear a common transport hurdle highlighted in a SightX survey of 1007 Kiwi adults. The research found that 89 percent of Kiwis have unworn clothes sitting in their wardrobes, with 33 percent holding at least $500 worth and 16 percent holding $1000 or more in unused items. On top of that, 22 percent admitted they keep unworn clothes simply because they struggle to find time or arrange transport to drop them off.
"Many of us know the feeling of wanting to donate, but it somehow falls into the too-hard basket," said Andy Bowie, Managing Director of Uber Eats New Zealand. "Red Cross Clothing Drive aims to turn good intentions into action."
"We know the impact donating can have, and Uber is uniquely placed to continue supporting New Zealand Red Cross’ humanitarian work in New Zealand and further around the world.
"That’s why we are excited to make the process as effortless and convenient as possible by offering free Courier deliveries through the Uber and Uber Eats apps this October. We're taking the friction out of giving back so more Kiwis can easily donate."
This year marks the fourth annual run for the partnership. The volume of goods moved through the courier network has grown significantly over time: in 2025, the drive collected over 64,500kg of donated clothes - roughly equal to 32 mid-sized truckloads - up from more than 42,000kg in 2024.
"Every year, the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive creates a real buzz in our shops across
the country," said Sophie Jones, In-Store Experience and Product Sourcing Lead, New Zealand Red Cross.
"We look forward to seeing the donations arrive, and once those pieces start flowing into stores, our customers are often just as excited to discover the new arrivals. The quality of what people donate really matters. We encourage people to ask themselves one simple question: ‘Would I give this to a family member or friend?"
To arrange a pickup on 17 October, residents in covered cities tap the Red Cross Clothing Drive tile in the Uber or Uber Eats app, check that the trip fee shows $0, and confirm the booking before meeting the driver outside.