Sarah Oliver
Kmart in Woodgrove shopping centre are launching their wishing tree appeal tomorrow in the lead up to Christmas.
For the past 35 years, the Salvation Army has worked with Kmart stores across the nation to raise funds and accept donated gifts for people in need.
Kmart Melton operations manager Liana Boros said the appeal has raised more than eight million gifts to those in need “thanks to the incredible generosity of the Australian community”.
“This aims to create a brighter Christmas for all families in the community,” Ms Boros said.
In 2020, the appeal collected more than 250,000 gifts and raised over $360,000.
Money can be donated online or in stores, and the donations left under the wishing trees will go to families and kids who would otherwise go without.
This year there is also an express drop off point located at the front of stores for customers who don’t want to enter the stores.
The launch will have a representative from the Salvation Army to give a few words about what the Wishing Tree Appeal has achieved over previous years.
A representative from the Salvation Army said despite the pandemic leaving many experiencing severe financial hardship, they hope people will be compelled to give.
“This year’s message is ‘small gift, big heart’, where Aussies are encouraged to give what they can, however big or small,” the representative said.
The official launch of the Woodgrove Kmart wishing tree will be held tomorrow, Wednesday November 10, at 10am.
Details: www.kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree
