Retired NSW State Emergency Service (SES) uniforms will be saved from landfill thanks to a partnership with Uniforms 4 Kids, a charity that will turn the former orange and blue uniforms into clothes and items for children and families in need.
Officially launched today, the partnership means donated emergency service uniforms can be turned into evacuation bags, children's clothes, hats, pencil cases, library bags and soft toys.
The partnership is an opportunity for the NSW SES to help the communities it serves even further, while also supporting sustainability.
The charity relies on volunteers to cut, stitch and sew the items. It also partners with the New South Wales Police Force, Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Ambulance Victoria, Queensland Ambulance Service, Royal Flying Doctors and Australia Zoo.
Uniforms 4 Kids was founded in 2015 by Order of Australia recipient Yvonne Pattinson, who began recycling donated police uniforms for children in remote and rural communities.
To date, more than 55,000 items made by the charity have been donated to domestic violence shelters, remote communities, families and children in need throughout Australia and in countries overseas where the AFP and Australian Border Force provide assistance.
Anyone interested in getting involved can visit www.uniforms4kids.com.au
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"Our dedicated SES volunteers do a lot for their local communities, and this partnership with Uniforms 4 Kids extends that ethos of helping people out."
"This partnership will help ensure fewer retired SES uniforms go to waste, not only helping families who might need financial assistance during these challenging times, but also helping to reduce landfill."
"Volunteerism makes the world a better place, and to have two volunteer organisations partner to improve the lives of the communities they serve is inspiring."
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Deb Platz APM said:
"We're proud to partner with Uniforms 4 Kids, which is a very worthy cause that will make a difference to the lives of others in need."
"Not only that, but being able to give children evacuation bags made from old NSW SES uniforms will further develop community awareness and get families talking about what they may do, or pack, into the bag should they need to evacuate during a natural disaster."
Uniforms 4 Kids Chairman Glenn Ferguson AM said:
"We are thrilled to have the NSW State Emergency Service partner with us to further deliver on our mission of creating unique clothing for children in need, no matter who or where they are."
"By being able to repurpose donated uniforms for the good of others, we're continuing the use of the NSW SES uniform to protect and serve communities, all while reducing waste."
"Our dedicated sewing volunteers are based all over the country, with some groups formed in nursing homes, assisted living villages, church groups, or social groups, adding to the social impact we're having."
"Our team is made up of volunteers, and all monies raised go towards enabling the creation of outstanding and beautiful clothes."
