Prime Minister launches Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in Canberra
BY SIMONE WORTHING
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Secretary for Communications Colonel Rodney Walters represented The Salvation Army at the official launch of the 37th annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal at Parliament House in Canberra on 6 November.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched the appeal by placing the first unwrapped gift under the dedicated tree. The Salvation Army is Kmart’s founding charity partner for this appeal.
“I love this partnership with Kmart and the Salvos,” said Commissioner Gluyas. “Over the course of 37 years, more than 14 million gifts have been donated for those doing it tough – representing so much hope, so much joy.”
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton, Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt and Members of Parliament, alongside Kmart and Target Chief Executive Officer John Gualtieri.
“The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, bringing joy into the lives of others who are doing it tough these holidays,” said the Prime Minister.
“It’s when times are tough that we see the best of the Australian spirit. If you can spare it, please give generously, knowing the presents you leave under your nearest Wishing Tree will be treasured on Christmas morning by those most in need.”
After nearly four decades in operation, The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has become Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive. To date, it has raised millions of dollars in funding and provided over 14 million gifts to those struggling at Christmas time. This year, Kmart and The Salvation Army are aiming to make Christmas brighter for Aussies facing hardship or crisis through the delivery of gifts to those in need nationwide, including people impacted by the ongoing cost of living challenges.
John Gualtieri explained that it’s the immense support and collaboration between Kmart’s nearly 50,000-strong team and their local Salvation Army representatives around Australia that have become key to ensuring local families nationwide have the Christmas they deserve despite their personal circumstances.
“With almost 350 Kmart stores in Australia, we have a unique role that we can play as a large business as we are a part of so many communities. Our teams are focused on actively giving back to these communities in which we operate – and particularly those most vulnerable groups. At this time of year, our teams, our customers and our partners truly embody what it means to make everyday living brighter through this Appeal,” he said.
“We are particularly grateful to the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and all members of Parliament who have shown their support to launch this year’s Appeal at Parliament House, which puts an important spotlight on this initiative.”
Major Bruce Harmer, Head of External Communications, said, “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. 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, which for over 37 years has 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.”
Salvation Army volunteer Giulia was among those attending the launch. For the past two years, Giulia has relied on the support of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to provide gifts for her five children. She said that the true impact of the appeal was in the power it gave back to its recipients – the incredible dignity behind the gift-choosing process that allows people doing it tough the greatest gift of all – relief.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal runs in Kmart stores from 11 November to 24 December. Donations can be made by dropping off an unwrapped gift at any Kmart store, making a financial contribution online or in-store, or through purchasing Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal Christmas products at Kmart.
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