Kmart has strengthened its support of charity partners The Reach Foundation and Smiling Mind as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact young Australians' mental health and wellbeing.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Household Impacts of COVID-19 survey, almost one in three (30%) younger Australians (aged 18-34 years) experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in June 2021, compared with 18% of people aged 35-64 years and 10% of people aged 65 years and over.
Speaking on Kmart's heightened support of The Reach Foundation and Smiling Mind, ANZ director of retail John Gualtieri said the business is proud to support the expertise and work of its charity partners.
"As a dad of two teenage girls, I know that growing up in today’s world can be tough, and it is so important that we do everything we can to support young people navigate life’s challenges.
"Through our community partnerships, we have come to understand a lot more about the issues young people face and mental illness being one of the major challenges.
"I am shocked and saddened that suicide is the leading cause of death in young people.
"Young people need us now more than ever, and we are determined to ensure that everyone has access to tools, resources and services that support those who are currently experiencing a mental health challenge or those being proactive with their health.
"These organisations are experts in this field and are working hard every day to be there for young people in driving down those statistics," he said.
Over the past five years, in partnership with the community, Kmart has fundraised over $1,000,000 to causes that support young people.
This year, the retailer has kicked off the support by donating an additional $100,000 to each of its charity partners.
The business aims to double this donation, with the help from its customers and teams.
Supporting young people is close to the retailer's heart, with 70% of its team members under 21.
The Reach Foundation CEO Philippe Magid said the organisation was thrilled to receive additional support from Kmart.
"After working closely with the Kmart team for the last four years, we really want to applaud the investment Kmart is making in both their people and young people across the country.
"We’re delighted that Kmart have chosen Reach to stand alongside Smiling Mind to receive this increased investment in our work.
"We are excited to be recognised as one of Kmart’s Community Partners at a national level as they help us continue delivering our work to young people where they need us – in schools, in the community in their workplace and online," he said.
Kmart is encouraging its community to make a donation to The Reach Foundation and Smiling Mind in one of Kmart's 300 stores or online.
Smiling Mind CEO Dr Addie Wootten added that Kmart's elevated support comes at a critical time.
"We are excited to join forces with Kmart who share our passion to tackle the growing mental health challenges faced by young Australians.
"Kmart has been part of the fabric of Australian communities for generations and this partnership offers us an opportunity to work with these communities to support positive mental health outcomes.
"With one in seven primary school aged children and one in four high school students experiencing mental illness we know we need to be doing more to support positive mental health outcomes from a young age.
"Now, more than ever before, it's vital that we take a proactive approach to support our mental health and the mental health of our future generations," she said.
The Reach Foundation and Smiling Mind both offer resources and programs to foster and encourage conversations and positive actions around mental health.