The public’s generosity thrills children

Barnardos New Zealand Media Release

18 February 2009

The public’s and Kmart’s generosity thrills New Zealand children

“Barnardos New Zealand thanks the public for the generosity and support it has shown by donating thousands of gifts to the Kmart Wishing Tree during the Christmas season 2008. We also thank Kmart again this year for their organisation of this campaign. Barnardos was the recipient of 6000 of these gifts collected at the Wishing Trees, and we want to thank the public and Kmart for making this happen”, says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.

As a regular recipient for many years of Kmart’s annual appeal, Barnardos uses this valuable resource to help children and families who experience stress at Christmas.

“Kmart’s generosity to enable people to give to this appeal at Christmas time is very much appreciated”.

On Christmas Eve, a family with their four children came to one of the Barnardos offices, hoping we could assist them. They had faced enormous financial stress by moving house but Barnardos was able to provide presents to everyone. The family was delighted and the Barnardos staff felt very privileged to have been of assistance.

“Christmas can often be a very stressful time. The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal helps us to help children at this time”, concludes Mr Edridge.

ENDS

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