November 18, 2015

17,000 Kiwi Families Call for Christmas Compassion

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has collected more than 420,000 gifts with charity partner The Salvation Army across its 21 year history.

This year the Appeal plans to share the joy with even more New Zealanders, gathering presents and contributions to support the 17,000 fragile Kiwi families who The Salvation Army estimate will require assistance over the Christmas period.

Each store is hosting a launch event for the Appeal this week, with local schools, businesses, Kmart team members and even Santa himself demonstrating a collective commitment to supporting those struggling in the community.

Kmart NZ manager, Sue Smith, said she is proud of the longstanding history of the Appeal and the way that families use the Appeal to instill the joy of giving as well as receiving at all ages.

“The Salvation Army works tirelessly to help Kiwis in all walks of life. We are so proud to be able to assist their vision and equally thankful to the many New Zealanders who have made giving to the Wishing Tree a tradition.

“The Appeal is at its most basic a national Secret Santa, providing such a simple, convenient way for the public to pay forward their good fortune and help create a brighter, happier Christmas for some of New Zealand’s most fragile families,” says Sue.

The Salvation Army’s Secretary for Social Services, Major Pam Waugh, says stress can be a big factor for many families as expenses and the consumer pressures of the season intensify.

“Being able to help families with Christmas gifts and food means people can still plan and budget for other costs such as back to school expenses that ultimately avoids going into debt.

“Children need to feel part of their own social group, with happy memories and experiences from the Christmas season rather than feeling excluded because their parents are struggling to make ends meet. With the help of Kmart and the generosity of New Zealanders nationwide, we are able to provide gifts to brighten Christmas Day and vouchers to buy items they desperately need,” said Pam.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal launches November 18 until December 24.

Participating in the Appeal is easy. Simply place a gift under any Wishing Tree located within a Kmart store, including a completed gift tag outlining the gender and age group of the recipient. Alternatively collect a bauble from the Wishing Tree and scan it at the checkout to make a monetary contribution.

Contributions can also be made by visiting www.kmart.co.nz/wishingtree

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