Driving impact: Uber and Australian Red Cross announce major three-year partnership
Written byUber and Uber Eats are proud to announce a three-year partnership with Australian Red Cross, building on the success of their longstanding collaboration – including the groundbreaking Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive, which began in 2016 and saw the collection of 80,000kg of clothing in 2024 alone.
Over the next three years, Uber will help power the work of more than 20,000 Australian Red Cross members, volunteers and staff by providing crucial transportation, meals and groceries. It will also support Australian Red Cross programs across the country – providing essential services such as transport to appointments and interviews. With reliable, real-time support, Uber and Uber Eats will help ensure Australian Red Cross has the resources they need to make a meaningful impact – wherever and whenever they’re needed most.
Beyond logistical support, the partnership will help Australian Red Cross in streamlining payment processes and reducing administrative burdens behind the scenes. By removing these logistical hurdles, the partnership empowers often-unsung heroes to focus on what matters – helping people during emergencies and hardship – while also strengthening essential training and response initiatives across the country. To maximise the effectiveness of the partnership, leadership teams from both Australian Red Cross and Uber will meet in person twice a year to review progress and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
The partnership is already making a difference and delivering real impact. When Cyclone Alfred hit earlier this year, Uber was pivotal in enabling Australian Red Cross members, volunteers and staff to reach some of the most severely affected areas across South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales and provided essential meals to those working throughout the emergency response. More recently, severe flooding in New South Wales has made the impact of this collaboration even clearer. As Australian Red Cross teams work on the ground, Uber has been there to fuel efforts behind the scenes, allowing operational teams to focus on ensuring volunteers can reach activation centres and support communities left isolated by rising waters.
Emma Foley, Managing Director, Uber Australia and New Zealand said: “We’ve seen the impact of our partnership through the success of the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive, and we know that when our two brands come together, meaningful change follows. From collecting tens of thousands of kilos of clothing to helping break down transport barriers, we’re proud to take the next step in our collaboration. Whether it’s getting meals, groceries, or volunteers where they’re needed, our goal is to help Australian Red Cross do what they do best – deliver vital support to communities across the country.”
Penny Harrison, Deputy CEO of Australian Red Cross said “During Cyclone Alfred, Uber’s generous support granted us access to efficient and flexible transport options for our staff and volunteers. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting communities in recovery or preparedness – having reliable access to transport and meals for our members, volunteers and staff, means we can stay focused on what matters most – providing vital support to people and communities in vulnerable situations.”
Ricky Smith, Specialist, Emergency Response Qld, Australian Red Cross said: “During high-pressure responses like Cyclone Alfred, the ability to quickly order meals or get someone safely home after a 15-hour shift made a huge difference. The Uber partnership has streamlined our logistics, helped us operate more efficiently, and taken pressure off our people when they need it most.”
This partnership is helping Australian Red Cross members, volunteers and staff access reliable transport and meals. With a footprint in over 51 towns and cities, and Uber Eats expanding to more than 100 locations by the end of the year, Uber is uniquely placed to support Australian Red Cross members, volunteers and staff. By connecting people, platforms and partners, this partnership will help power the essential work of one of Australia’s most trusted charities.
About Australian Red Cross:
Established over a century ago, Australian Red Cross is one of the nation’s most trusted and recognised humanitarian organisation, supporting thousands of Australians each year through its humanitarian work. From emergency and disaster relief to community-building initiatives that promote connection and resilience, it plays a critical role in helping people through their most challenging times.