Turning Clutter into a Cure

Thanks to this partnership, Victorians have been able to donate pre-loved clothing, homewares, and bric-a-brac to Savers stores, with all funds raised supporting groundbreaking diabetes research and essential support services. 

A Partnership with Purpose 

The model is simple. Savers purchases donated goods from Diabetes Victoria, providing a continual stream of funding that supports diabetes research, community education, and services for people living with or at risk of diabetes.  

Over the past 25+ years, this initiative has not only raised millions of dollars but reduced landfill waste by giving new life to used items. 

The Savers partnership recently expanded under the Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF), a new initiative by Diabetes Victoria aimed at accelerating translational research and practical healthcare solutions Australia-wide. DIIF continues to benefit from the Savers partnership, with stores like Savers Auburn in New South Wales accepting donations on behalf of the foundation. 

How to Get Involved 

There are a couple of ways individuals and households can support Diabetes Victoria by donating through Savers. 

1. In-Store: There are 6 Savers stores which are dedicated to drop-off locations for clothing and household goods. See the Collections page for more information on participating stores. 

1. Home Collections: Diabetes Victoria operates a collection service, picking up donations directly from homes throughout Victoria. Check your postcode to see if you’re eligible for a collection.  

Items accepted include clothing, shoes, accessories, kitchenware, small appliances, toys, and decorative items. These donations are then sold in Savers stores, with the revenue going back to Diabetes Victoria to fund their mission. 

Businesses Making a Difference 

It’s great to see more and more businesses stepping up to support people affected by diabetes. Access Workwear & Safety is a great example of this. The Bedford Road store in Ringwood East, has installed a collection bin on-site, encouraging customers to donate unwanted workwear that may no longer fit or be suitable, but still has some life left.  

More recently, Russell Ackerman, Director at Access Workwear & Safety has made a generous contribution of sample stock from his outlet. These items are now being resold in Savers stores, with proceeds benefiting Diabetes Victoria. This kind of corporate involvement shows how businesses can contribute to the cause in a meaningful way. 

"We’re proud to partner with the team at Diabetes VIC and we receive fantastic feedback and support for the program from our customers. We greatly value this partnership and pleased to do our part to contribute," says Russell.

If you would like more information on your business can make a difference, email the Diabetes Victoria team.

Expanding the Network 

Supporting doesn’t stop with individuals and businesses. Apartment buildings and residential complexes can also get involved by hosting collection bins. By coordinating with Diabetes Victoria, building managers can arrange for collections, making it convenient for residents to donate and support a worthy cause. 

The Impact of Every Dollar 

Diabetes is one of Australia’s fastest-growing chronic conditions. With almost 400,000 Victorians living with diabetes and a further 500,000 Victorians at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, initiatives like this are more important than ever. (link to strategy) 

Whether you’re an individual, a business or a building manager, there’s a way for you to get behind the cause and support diabetes research and the Diabetes Victoria vision – a world in which diabetes can do no harm. 

To learn more or to book a collection, visit Diabetes Victoria’s donation page.