Within communities across the nation, the Kmart Wishing Tree appeal is synonymous with Christmas joy.
Kmart Keilor and The Salvation Army have once again joined forces to bring smiles to families for the festive season through the 36th annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.
With the generous support of the community, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has become Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive and has donated more than $5.6 million in funding and distributed 10 million gifts to those in need at Christmas.
For the 2023 appeal, the goal has been set to raise more than half a million dollars and collect 300,000 gifts across Australia to help those in need at Christmas and beyond.
This year, the Salvation Army is anticipating this Christmas to be one of the busiest they have seen.
Salvation Army Major Rebecca Inglis said the Salvation Army considers it a ‘privilege’ to be able to support individuals and families right across the country.
“Our hope at Christmas is for no one to have to do it alone, and we are extremely proud and grateful to Kmart and the Wishing Tree Appeal, who for over 36 years have partnered with The Salvos to help brighten the festive season for those doing it tough,” Major Inglis said.
The theme of this year’s appeal is ‘Join us in creating a positive change this Christmas’, which encourages the community to come together and, if possible, contribute a new and unwrapped gift under the Wishing Tree at any Kmart and K hub store or make a monetary contribution in-store or online.
Locals are encouraged to choose a practical gift and consider gifts for older kids as well to ensure nobody misses out, as the appeal is often overwhelmed with gifts for younger children.
Suggested gifts include, headphones, backpacks, console games, jewellery, beauty products, hair care appliances and gift cards.
Financial contributions can be made in several different ways including adding a donation to any transaction, dropping a gold coin into a collection box at any Kmart or K hub register or scanning the Wishing Tree QR code found in store or on the Appeal website to donate any amount.
