Unicycle Jamaica has launched its 2026 Annual Drive, marking nine consecutive years of collecting, redistributing and responsibly recycling clothing and textiles across the island to students and families in need. 

This year’s drive places special emphasis on the urgent need for school uniforms and everyday clothing following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, while reinforcing the growing importance of textile recycling as a climate and waste-management priority for Jamaica.

Many families in Western Jamaica—particularly those with school-aged children—are struggling to replace damaged or lost uniforms and clothing. The 2026 drive calls on individuals, schools, businesses and community groups to donate gently used or new uniforms, children’s clothing and household textiles at Fontanas islandwide, ensuring immediate relief for families while keeping reusable materials out of landfills.

Redistribution is efficiently led by the team at the National Education Trust (NET) and the education ministry’s Guidance Counselling Unit (GCU). Beyond emergency response, Unicycle Jamaica continues to lead what has become one of the country’s largest and most sustained textile recycling movements. Over nine years, the initiative has demonstrated that clothing can have multiple lives—supporting dignity, access to education, livelihoods and environmental stewardship all at once.

“For nine years, Jamaicans have shown that generosity and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Rhys Greenland, Co-Founder of Unicycle Jamaica. “After Hurricane Melissa, the need for uniforms and clothing was immediate, and Jamaicans responded steadily, and repeated carloads were able to be distributed over the last 6 months. This wonderful response has only served to emphasise our need to rethink how we consume and discard textiles. Every donation helps a family recover and helps Jamaica reduce waste.”

“Unicycle has grown from a simple idea into a national movement,” added Maria Greenland, Co-Founder and Outreach Coordinator. “Textile recycling is not just about clothes—it’s about resilience, climate responsibility and community care. Any clothing that are not able to be reused are converted into simple toys for dogs and cats at the JSPCA.

Our annual drive shows what’s possible when people choose to give thoughtfully.” As Unicycle Jamaica enters its ninth year, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to people, planet and purpose—proving that collective action can meet urgent needs today while building a more sustainable Jamaica for tomorrow.