Christmas Gift Appeal Celebrates Its 18th Anniversary

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New Zealand’s Largest Christmas Gift Appeal Celebrates Its 18th Anniversary

• 18th year aimed at celebrating the tradition of giving

• Over 300,000 gifts donated to the Appeal in the past 17 years

• More than 40,000 gifts needed to help this festive season

• Now more than ever ‘living as one community’ is so very important

14 November 2012 – Celebrating 18 years of Kiwis giving to others at Christmas time, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has this year raised the target, aiming to collect 40,000 gifts for charity partner The Salvation Army.

Having collected over 300,000 gifts during the 17 years of the Appeal from generous New Zealanders nationwide, Kmart boss, Guy Russo said Kmart feels so privileged to have been able to play a vital role in what has become a real Australian Christmas tradition.

“The Kmart team is honoured to stand side by side with these generous New Zealanders to support families who are doing it tough at Christmas.

“As times get tougher, we know even more people will need to seek help at Christmas time and the amazing result of the Appeal over the many years of its existence is proof that more than ever, in tough times, we all come together and truly care for each other,” said Guy.

This year we also hope that the nation can celebrate this longstanding tradition of giving by educating generations about supporting others. Guy continued: “Now more than ever, living as one community is so very important. We hear so many stories of parents who gave as children and are now teaching their children to give, helping them understand what this time of year is about. We think that this is what has made the Appeal so blessed for so many years.”

Launching nationwide on Wednesday 14 November 2012, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal collects gifts until Christmas Eve.

To participate in the Appeal, simply place a gift under the Christmas Wishing Tree located in any Kmart store around 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 present on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

For more information, go to www.kmart.co.nz/wishingtree

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