With Christmas just around the corner, the much-loved Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has already inspired the spirit of giving since it’s launch on Monday.
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The wishing tree is a staple icon at the entrance to Kmart every Christmas holiday season.
Gifts and donations began to accumulate around the festive tree as generous shoppers dug deep to give to Mount Isa families in need during the Christmas holidays.
The Kmart Wishing Tree is a joint initiative between the Salvation Army and Kmart which asks locals to donate a gift that will be delivered to Mount Isa families.
Each year the generous initiative helps more than 300,000 Australians over the Christmas period and it urges people to consider others over the holidays.
This is the 31st year they have coordinated the National appeal.
Kmart Store Manager Russell Hammelswang said last year was a massive year.
“It’s always hard to beat a milestone year but we can make it just as good as last year if not better,” Mr Hammelswang said.
He promised the Salvation Army that they would work closely with them.
“Community spirit will also allow us to help deliver a good Christmas to the local Mount Isa people who are in need.”
READ MORE: Festive Wishing Tree to bloom at Kmart
Representatives from the Salvation Army and Mob FM attended the merry event, handing out cake and lollies and playing Christmas carols.
Kmart Wishing Tree Champion Liza Dowler said it is our way of helping the local community.
“What happens is we encourage our customers to come in, purchase a gift in-store or bring a donation and put it under the Christmas tree,” Ms Dowler said.
The idea for the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal began in 1987 when an Adelaide team member suggested Kmart use its wide network of stores as gift collection points to assist charity groups at Christmas time.
From there the Appeal grew to become what it is today.
The Appeal runs from Monday November 12, 2018 to Monday December 24, 2018 and monetary donations will be accepted until Thursday January 31, 2019.
