Store launches wishing tree

GIVING: Stu and Michelle Lee from The Salvation Army Palmerston North and Palmerston North city councillor Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke with the Kmart Palmerston North team. PHOTO: KARLA KARAITIANA

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal officially launched last Wednesday with the Palmerston North store determined to remain the biggest collector for the appeal in New Zealand and beyond.

Last year saw the local store donate 5158 gifts to The Salvation Army to help local families celebrate Christmas.

Kmart Palmerston North Wishing Tree champion Sam Thorsen said the Palmerston North store was one of the biggest contributors to the annual appeal, a testament to the generous Manawatu community and the local Kmart team.

"I want to thank my fellow Kmart team members for their endless enthusiasm and always getting behind this cause. For the past few years we have collected the most gifts out of anyone in Australasia — so thank you."

The official launch was celebrated with cake, carols and kapa haka from Ross Intermediate's Kapa Haka group.

Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke thanked the children for their performance and offered some words of wisdom.

"Young people, I want to encourage your understanding and compassion. Don't feel afraid, nothing is too small, give what you can."

This year marks 24 years since the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal began and is now New Zealand's largest and longest running Christmas gift Appeal.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of New Zealanders, the appeal has collected more than 480,000 gifts which have been distributed to those in need.

Palmerston North Salvation Army mission co-ordinator Peter Barton says Christmas is a particularly challenging time of year for families, with many of his clients feeling the strain of not being able to afford something special for their loved ones.

"The gifts collected through the wishing tree appeal provide significant financial and stress relief for our families, allowing them to refocus their limited budgets on meeting other Christmas, holiday and back to school costs."

This year The Salvation Army expects to help more than 17,000 families over the Christmas period with gifts, food and other support.

"On behalf of everyone at The Salvation Army, a big thank you to everyone at Kmart and the thousands of Kiwis who collectively make this appeal the incredible long lasting success story it is."

Gift donations can be made in store and cash donations can be made at both checkouts and self-service. This year bauble tags can be purchased, which donate $5 or $10 to a specific cause like "Toiletries to a senior citizen". These can be found on the tree and taken to checkout.

Further donations can be given online at kmart.co.nz/wishingtree. The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal runs from 15 November through to 24 December.

WATCH our video of the launch on Facebook, Manawatu Guardian.