In this op-ed, Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler shares how he scaled the registered charity into a nationwide fashion operation.
When I joined Thread Together as CEO in 2019, I entered a unique social enterprise with a compelling mission: to provide new clothing to people experiencing hardship by redistributing brand-new clothing that would otherwise be destined for landfill. My experience in both corporate and non-profit sectors provided me with a strategic vision and a deep commitment to social impact, which I have channelled into transforming Thread Together from a promising initiative into a nationwide movement.
My early days at Thread Together were focused on scaling an organisation that was growing rapidly but lacked the strategic foundations. The aspiration of rescuing brand-new clothing from landfills and providing it to those in need faced logistical and operational hurdles. Managing the collection, storage, and distribution while ensuring that the right items reached the right people, required a robust infrastructure and better use of technology.
To get started, I prioritised streamlining operations. For Thread Together to scale effectively, we needed strong partnerships with both retailers (supply) and networks of local charities and welfare agencies (demand). Creating an efficient supply chain to handle increasing donations was also crucial.
A key breakthrough during my leadership was establishing long-term partnerships with major Australian fashion brands and retailers. By highlighting the social and environmental benefits of donating unsold stock, we increased our network from a handful to more than 2,000 retailers nationwide.
Enhancing our logistics capabilities was another major focus. We invested in technology and infrastructure to process donations more efficiently and improve distribution. Expanding warehouse facilities, optimising inventory management including implementing an RFID solution, and improving our distribution network helped ensure timely delivery to those in need.
I also emphasised collaboration with local charities and community organisations. Partnering with those who have deep community connections was essential for identifying individuals and families who would benefit most from the clothing. This approach ensured that the right support reached those who needed it most without the need for us to establish this knowledge.
Building a high-calibre team at Thread Together has also been essential to addressing the complex challenges including hiring team members with lived experience. By attracting individuals with exceptional skills and a strong commitment, we have been able to harness their diverse expertise and lived experience to drive impactful solutions.
Most important to us are our volunteers, they are at the epicentre of what we do, driving our mission forward with unwavering dedication. Each day, hundreds of volunteers show up and generously give their time and energy, helping us to sort and fulfil requests for clothing.
Under my stewardship, Thread Together has grown from a small operation to a national presence, distributing clothing across the country. Today, we have a fleet of vehicles with custom-fitted walk-in-wardrobes, delivering directly to communities in need, allowing us to reach remote and underserved areas.
In addition to our Mobile Wardrobe service, our online platform, powered by Shopify and physical clothing hubs (authentic shopping experience for people experiencing hardship), we also introduced a Domestic Violence wardrobe service last year to address the immediacy of need of clothes for women and children escaping family and domestic violence and arriving at a shelter with just the clothes they are wearing. This service now supports more than 150 women’s shelters nationwide.
In the last 5 years, we have provided new clothes to more than half a million people in need. For many, receiving new clothes represents dignity and hope, a step toward rebuilding their lives. Our work has been particularly vital during crises like COVID-19, recent natural disasters, and most recently the cost-of-living crisis, where immediate and compassionate support has been critical.
As Thread Together grows, I remain focused on expanding our reach and impact. Our goal is to ensure that no new clothing goes to landfill and that everyone in need has access to the dignity of new clothes. This mission is becoming more critical in a world where the disparity between abundance and necessity is increasingly pronounced.
We are always exploring new ways to engage with the community and also encourage more retailers to get involved.
By partnering with Thread Together, retailers can turn surplus stock into a force for good, helping us to clothe those in need while reducing waste.