Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the 36th annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal alongside Kmart Group managing director Ian Bailey and the Salvation Army.
The event launch was hosted at Parliament House, with other political leaders in attendance including Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Greens leader Adam Bandt.
It is the 11th consecutive year that Parliament House hosted the launch event, where visitors, parliamentarians and staff can leave an unwrapped gift under the tree for Australians in need at Christmas time.
Over the last 35 years, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has raised over $5.6 million in funding and delivered 10 million gifts.
In 2023, Kmart is aiming to raise over half a million dollars for the Appeal as well as collect 300,000 gifts.
“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,” Bailey said. “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.”
Bailey also thanked the Prime Minister and his team for hosting the launch.
Albanese said the success of the 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,” Albanese said.
“This should be a magical time of year for children and by supporting the Wishing Tree Appeal, you can help keep Christmas special.”