Help New Zealanders by Giving a Gift

Help New Zealanders by Giving a Gift

The annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal launches on 14 November 2012, and this year hopes to gather more than 40,000 gifts.

Now in its 18th year, the nation’s largest Christmas gift appeal collects gifts for The Salvation Army to distribute to Kiwi families who need a helping hand at Christmas time.

As New Zealanders continue to have a tough time in a difficult financial environment, with many struggling with day to day needs, many Kiwis can’t afford to celebrate Christmas with their families, or put a present under the tree for their kids. Last year, The Salvation Army was able to help close to 20,000 families across the country with gift parcels and hampers at Christmas time. This year, according to Salvation Army Secretary for Social Services Major Pam Waugh, the need for a helping hand during the festive season will be just as great, if not greater.

“The support of our fellow Kiwis is vital as we work to assist the 120,000 people that use our services each year,” says Major Waugh.

“With the help of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal and the generosity of New Zealanders, The Salvation Army can help make Christmas a little bit brighter for those in need, and make sure that kids across the country wake up to a gift under the tree on this special day.”

The 2012 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal runs until Christmas Eve. To participate in the Appeal, simply place a gift under the Christmas Wishing Tree located in any Kmart store across New Zealand. Take a gift tag from the tree to identify the age and gender of a suitable recipient and place it with your gift. Gifts do not have to be purchased at Kmart.

Alternatively, you can make a cash contribution to the Appeal at any Kmart store register or online at http://wishingtree.kmart.co.nz

Cash contributions are converted into Kmart gift cards, which are distributed by The Salvation Army, allowing Appeal recipients to choose their own Christmas gift.

The 2012 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal will be on Facebook, Twitter and online at http://wishingtree.kmart.co.nz

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