Tuesday 28 November 2023 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the 36th annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal today, supported by Kmart Group Managing Director, Ian Bailey alongside founding charity partner, the Salvation Army.
The Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and their staff demonstrated their ongoing support of the Appeal, placing a Wishing Tree in Parliament House. For the 11th consecutive year, all visitors to Parliament House alongside Parliamentarians and staff have the opportunity to leave an unwrapped gift under the tree for Australians in need at Christmas time.
Now in its 36th year, The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia's largest and longest-running gift collection drive, raising over $5.6 million in funding and providing 10 million gifts to those in need at Christmas. In 2023, Kmart is aiming to raise over half a million dollars for the Appeal as well as collect 300,000 gifts to help those in need.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal reminds us all of the true spirit of Christmas, bringing joy into the lives of others.
"The enduring strength and remarkable success of this appeal has always spoken for the generosity of the Australian people. I'm sure that this year Australians will once again dig deep to support families who are doing it tough at Christmas.
"This should be a magical time of year for children and by supporting the Wishing Tree Appeal, you can help keep Christmas special.
"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."
Kmart Group Managing Director, Ian Bailey, said he was proud not only of the 50,000 team members around Australia who proactively support the gift drive each Christmas through Kmart stores nationally, but also the millions of Australians that visit Kmart stores at Christmas, to drop off a gift.
"As a large retailer, we want to make sure we're actively giving back to communities in which we operate, and particularly the most vulnerable groups within our community. Through our partnership with the Salvation Army, this Appeal has been able to help more Australian families have the Christmas they deserve. Bringing joy to our customers is what Kmart is about, and we are proud to partner with the Salvation Army to achieve that," he said. "We are particularly grateful to the Prime Minister for hosting us at Parliament House and helping us put an important spotlight on this initiative."
The Prime Minister was joined by the following representatives from the major parties, Kmart Australia and The Salvation Army.
- The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP - Prime Minister
- The Hon. Richard Marles MP - Deputy Prime Minister
- The Hon. Peter Dutton MP - Leader of the Opposition
- The Hon. Sussan Ley MP - Deputy Leader of the Opposition
- Mr Adam Bandt MP - Leader of the Greens
- Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander, Salvation Army Australia
- Ian Bailey, Managing Director, Kmart Group
The Wishing Tree Appeal will run from Monday 13 November to Sunday 24 December.
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