Local store gets behind Christmas campaign

Kmart Australia has just launched its much-loved 37th annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal with founding charity partner, The Salvation Army, to once again call upon support from communities right across Australia to help families in need this Christmas.

Both gifts and monetary contributions are welcome in-store and online from now until Tuesday, December 24, and the Mount Gambier store is right on board with the popular campaign.

Kmart Mount Gambier’s Wishing Tree Champion Annette Kannegieter said the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal was a meaningful local initiative that empowers both customers and team members to make a real difference in our local community.

“As the dedicated Wishing Tree Champion for our store, I see this Appeal as an opportunity for everyone in Mount Gambier to come together and spread some holiday cheer,” Annette said. “We’ve already had such an amazing response from our local team and community, and we’re eager to keep the momentum going as we countdown to Christmas.”

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a beloved tradition that brings hope and joy to those struggling and in need during the holiday season. The Appeal has become Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive thanks to generous communities including Mount Gambier.

Kmart Australia is aiming to raise one million dollars as well as collect 400,00 gifts to help those in need at Christmas and beyond.

To kickstart the fundraising efforts for the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, Kmart was making a donation of $100,000.

This initial contribution serves as a powerful catalyst to encourage community support and engagement in the campaign. The donation is aimed at raising awareness and inspiring customers and partners to contribute, emphasising Kmart’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer also spoke to the impact the Appeal has made over the past 37 years, and what need remains still in the community.

“Christmas is the busiest time of year for The Salvation Army, as we support thousands of individuals and families experiencing hardship during the festive season.” He said. “We have seen the need intensify this year, with the cost-of-living crisis leaving people unsure of how they will afford Christmas. This is why we are so grateful for the support of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, who for over 37 years have allowed Australians doing it tough the opportunity to provide their children with a special Christmas. This year, we encourage Australians to again give generously to the Kmart Wishing Tree, helping the Salvos spread hope and joy to people around the country through the power of a gift this Christmas.”

Each year, generous customers place gifts under the Wishing Tree in Kmart stores, making wishes come true for people who may need a helping hand. It’s a simple act of kindness that has a profound impact, showing the true spirit of the season.

The appeal is more than just giving gifts—it’s about creating moments of joy, fostering a sense of community, and reminding everyone that a small gesture can make a big difference in someone’s life.

ABOUT THE APPEAL

• The community is encouraged, if possible, to contribute a new and unwrapped gift under the Wishing Tree at Kmart Mount Gambier or make a monetary contribution across in-store or online.

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN GET INOLVED

There are so many ways to get involved in the 2024 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, including:

• Physical gifts: Contributing a new and unwrapped gift under any Wishing Tree at any Kmart store. We encourage people to choose a practical gift and choose gifts for older kids as well to ensure all children are included, as we are often overwhelmed with gifts for younger children. Suggested gifts include headphones, backpacks, console games, jewellery, beauty products, hair care appliances and gift cards.

• Financial donations: Financial donations can be made easily too, in several different ways including self-checkout (when shopping in store at Kmart, grab a $2 donation card and scan to add $2 to your shop or click the Wishing Tree logo on the self-serve check out to add a donation to any transaction), gold coin donation (drop a gold coin into a collection box at any Kmart or K hub register), or give online (scan the Wishing Tree QR code found in store or on the Appeal website to donate any amount).

• Financial donations: Financial donations can be made easily too, in several different ways including self-checkout (when shopping in store at Kmart, click the Wishing Tree logo on the self-serve check out to round up your shop), spare change donation (drop any spare change into a coin donation box at any Kmart or K hub register), $2 donation cards (grab a donation card in the queue and scan when checking out to add a $2 donation to your shop), through the purchase of any KWTA merchandise in store ($2 from the sale of a Kenzie bear or any of the KWTA matching family will go directly to supporting the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal) or give online (scan the Wishing Tree QR code found in store or on the Appeal website to donate any amount).