Uniqlo to donate one million clothing items to those in need
Uniqlo has launched a new initiative called ‘The Heart of LifeWear’ which will it see it donate one million new items of HEATTECH thermal clothing to people in need, those forced to flee and disaster victims around the world this winter.
In its 40th anniversary year, Uniqlo asks the question: ‘What makes life better?’ and, as part of the initiative, Uniqlo UK will work with local partners to distribute a total of 10,000 HEATTECH items, supporting adults and children living in poverty, the homeless and refugees.
Koji Yanai, Senior Group Executive Officer at Fast Retailing Co, the parent company of Uniqlo, said: “All over the world, every day there are people whose situation suddenly changes regardless of their intentions or will – due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.
“No one wants to become a refugee, or to find themselves suddenly living in precarious circumstances. Through our new global initiative from this winter, ‘The Heart of LifeWear’, Uniqlo seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of as many people as we can who are living in such situations, aiming to help make life better and more comfortable – even just a little – for people in need around the world.”
Currently, there are more than 120 million refugees and displaced people globally, as well as many others who are forced to live in difficult circumstances, both in markets where Uniqlo operates and in nearby regions.
Along with HEATTECH thermal items, Uniqlo will also donate breathable, lightweight AIRism clothing, depending on the climate of the recipient region.
Collaborating with Uniqlo’s brand ambassadors to support the initiative, Uniqlo will be assisted by Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Shingo Kunieda, Gordon Reid, Ayumu Hirano, and Adam Scott, as well as Toray Group, the Japanese materials manufacturer and long-term Uniqlo partner who jointly developed HEATTECH.
Uniqlo UK will specifically partner with Social Bite, Goods for Good, Crisis Liverpool, Crisis London and New Horizon to distribute the HEATTECH items to those who need them.