Kmart has today unveiled its annual Wishing Tree Appeal with charity partner The Salvation Army.
This year marks 34 years of the Appeal, which is Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection event.
The Wishing Tree Appeal aims to create a brighter Christmas and New Year for the most vulnerable in the community.
Over its 34 years, the Appeal has raised more than 8 million gifts for people doing it tough, with close to 400,000 gifts being collected and nearly $300,000 in funds every year.
Kmart community relations advisor Frankie Swithinbank said there are some new elements to this year's Appeal.
"It is so important to us at Kmart to be able to run such an impactful initiative year after year and it’s exciting to include important new elements to the 2021 Appeal, such as the sustainable trees that people can adorn with handwritten stickers.
"We are humbled to see local groups coming together to support those who need it most," she said.
The sustainable in-store Wishing Trees are made from 100% recyclable, renewable and reusable cardboard, with customers able to leave their gift donations under this tree.
Also new for the 2021 Appeal is the introduction of an Express Drop Off point outside all stores for those wanting to donate without entering.
The 2021 Wishing Tree Appeal comes after many Aussies endured another challenging year, with The Salvation Army’s homelessness service providing more than 154,000 sessions of care to those at risk or experiencing homelessness between January and June, up 10% compared to the same time last year.
The Salvation Army Captain of Richmond Victoria Corp, Kris Halliday said donations of any size will make a difference in someone's life.
"The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a vital opportunity for us to provide support to people right across Australia.
"There has been an increase in financial support requests coming to us with people struggling with income and job losses, as well as a significant rise in mental health services needed.
"We know that people have an incredibly generous spirit, and every little donation goes to helping someone in need," he said.
Customers, community groups, schools and corporate organisations can get involved with the Appeal, through the donation of practical gifts that have use beyond Christmas, or monetary donations, which can be made at Kmart registers or online through a QR code.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal begins today, November 8 and ends on December 24 2021 with coin collections running through to the end of January.
More information can be found on the Kmart website.