Appeal to show power of giving

The Christmas tree is up early at Kmart Horsham for the launch of the city’s Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

The largest and longest-running Christmas gift appeal in Australia, the campaign raises money and collects gifts for people doing it tough.

Kmart and the Salvation Army have again united to continue the national appeal, which started in 1987.

Horsham Rural City Council mayor Mark Radford, Kmart Horsham staff and Salvation Army Horsham Corps members celebrated the start of the campaign at the Horsham Plaza store last week.

Store manager and Kmart Wishing Tree champion Suzanne Puls said she had been involved with the appeal ‘off and on’ for the past 15 years.

She said the Horsham store had a donation goal of more than 1000 presents each year, which she said was regularly achieved and a great reflection of the city’s generosity.

“There are a lot of people out there who are in need and cannot afford presents for their families,” she said.

“Gifts do not have to be for children, they can be for anyone of any age.

“Any form of gift or donation will make a big difference and help the Salvation Army.”

Kmart corporate affairs spokeswoman Natalie Rixon said donations could come in the form of a gift placed under the Wishing Tree, through in-store transactions or online at www.kmart. com.au/kmartwishingtree.

She said the appeal would end on December 24 and monetary donations would be accepted until January 31, 2020.