In Atlanta, some retired UPSers uniforms are getting new life – and providing much-needed jobs in the community.
UPS teamed up with re:loom and Best Friends Animal Society’s Lifesaving Center in Atlanta.
“The last thing we wanted to do was to dump the old uniforms in a landfill,” said UPS Director of Sustainability Patrick Browne. “That’s why we’re so happy to partner with these amazing nonprofits to give them a second life and do something special here.”
The Initiative for Affordable Housing nonprofit re:loom trains homeless and low-income individuals to make hand-woven products from excess textiles. These employees refashioned the uniforms into some 1,200 dog leashes.
“Generous donations like this one from UPS help us change the lives of Atlanta families by providing housing, training and steady jobs,” said Lisa Wise, the Executive Director at the Initiative for Affordable Housing.
The brown leashes will be used at the Best Friends Animal Society’s Lifesaving Center and go home with adopted dogs.
“I love these,” said Candy Maciel of Best Friends Animal Society. “We’re so appreciative of UPS’s generous donation and the work of the skilled weavers at re:loom; and we can’t wait to send them out with our dogs to their new homes.”
“And as a pet lover myself, I’m thrilled to see these awesome upcycled leashes benefitting not only our families, but also Best Friends Animal Society,” said Lisa.
Watch how “upcycling” is helping keep tails wagging.
To learn more about how re:loom empowers homeless and low-income individuals through weaving and to see more products made from UPS uniforms, check out UPS products from re:loom.