The global retailer Uniqlo is investing nearly 25,000 articles of new and like-new clothing in support of the Winter Storm Uri response and recovery efforts in Austin. Articles of clothing include shirts, pants, underwear, socks, and wind breakers. In addition to the clothing, donation Uniqlo also contributing 20,000 AIRism protective face masks to the community. The brand is also donating a large portion of like-new clothes that were returned from online purchases.
The City of Austin Homeland Emergency Security Management opened the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to respond to the weather event. The EOC continues to manage the response and recovery to the severe weather. This includes coordinating water and food resources for distribution. Additionally, the EOC has been partnering with volunteer organizations to provide services to residents.
Equipped with warehouse space and an army of volunteers, The Austin Disaster Relief Network joined the EOC on the effort by receiving, sorting, and distributing the generous donation. A packed semi-truck arrived in Austin on Tuesday, March 9, and ADRN volunteers spent Wednesday and Thursday sorting and organizing the clothes by type and size. Friday the warehouse will host a distribution event for those affected by the storm. Both the EOC and ADRN have developed contacts of those affected and who are in need, and homeless service providers will be contacted to help distribute clothing to their clients.
Clothing items for men and women supplied by global retailer UNIQLO, along with 600 Care Kits containing food, hygiene supplies, PPE, hydration kits will be distributed to residents by ADRN volunteers while supplies last.
"We are inspired by everyone's strength and resilience during this difficult time," said Daisuke Tsukagoshi, UNIQLO USA CEO. "UNIQLO is humbled by the opportunity to provide a donation of 25,000 units of product to help keep the community warm, dry and safe while we help work hand-in-hand to help rebuild what was lost."
"So many Austinites are still recovering from the devastating effects of the unprecedented storm that hit Central Texas," said Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk. "The City of Austin is incredibly fortunate to have an organization like ADRN, who is a leader in response and recovery, and an integral part of lifting people up after crises hit. During the response, I was most struck by the sheer number of people who were jumping in to help – neighbor helping neighbor. I want to thank our new neighbor in partnership, Uniqlo for helping so many receive some comfort while they back on their feet."
"I am humbled to serve as a vehicle for getting much needed items to our neighbors as those recover from the storm," said Daniel Geraci, Executive Director and Austin Disaster Relief Network Founder. "We look forward to welcoming those coming tomorrow and providing emotional, spiritual, and material resources to those impacted by this disaster, and we will be here ready for the next."
All impacted residents are invited to register for a pick-up time at
adrn.org/clothing or by calling ADRN's Survivor Hotline at 512-806-0800. All individuals and families
MUST register in advance in order to receive clothing and care kits. Due to the number of families expected to sign up,
walk-ins will not be accepted at the event.
Families will be allowed up to three sets of clothing per family member along with undergarments, socks and more while supplies last. Clothing sizes include adult small through extra-large and some children's sizes.
Families may pick up clothing for one additional family member not present. All remaining family members must be present to receive supplies.
Clothing and Care Kits will be available while supplies last and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis based on the registration time for pickup. Additional details are as follows:
WHAT: FREE clothing and Care Kit distribution.
WHEN: Fri., March 12, 2021, 9AM to 8PM. (Registrants are asked to arrive
15 minutes prior to appointment time to ensure adequate parking and to remain COVID compliant.)
WHERE: 1905 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
SURVIVOR HOTLINE Families seeking information about long-term disaster relief support should call ADRN's Survivor Hotline at 512-806-0800 or visit
adrn.org/assistance.
About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, Helmut Lang, PLST (Plus T), Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam and J Brand. With global sales of approximately 2.01 trillion yen for the 2020 fiscal year ending August 31, 2020 (US $19.06 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2020 rate of $1 = 105.4 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world's largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan's leading specialty retailer.
UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has more than 2,200 stores in 25 markets including Japan. In alphabetical order, the other markets are Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. U.S. and Vietnam. In addition, UNIQLO established a social business in Bangladesh together with the Grameen Bank in 2010, and today there are more than 15 Grameen-UNIQLO stores, mostly located in Dhaka.
With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit
www.uniqlo.com and
www.fastretailing.com.
About the Austin Disaster Relief Network Following a crisis, ADRN provides survivors with immediate financial assistance, emergency housing and transportation, emotional and spiritual care and connects families with vital resources. Additionally, ADRN organizes volunteer efforts in the cleanup/muck out of homes, coordinates volunteer labor with partnering agencies like Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) and offers funding to complete the rebuilding/repair of homes affected through their sponsorship program.
About the City of Austin Homeland Emergency Security Management Office The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) plans and prepares for emergencies, educates the public about preparedness, develops volunteers, manages grant funding to improve homeland security and public safety capabilities, coordinates emergency response and recovery, supports planned events, and works with public and partner organizations to protect our whole community when it needs us the most.
