New Zealand's largest Christmas gift appeal calls for help to collect 35,000 gifts

This year more than ever, New Zealand families will be having a tough time at Christmas. A harsh economic climate, soaring food prices, and natural disasters have left many Kiwis in dire need. Especially in Christchurch, families are struggling with day to day needs, and won’t be able to enjoy Christmas, which is so important in these tough times.

In its 17th year, the nation’s largest Christmas gift appeal aims to collect more than 35,000 gifts for charity partner, The Salvation Army. The 2011 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal launches nationwide on Wednesday 16 November and runs until Christmas Eve.

To participate in the Appeal, simply place a gift under the Christmas Wishing Tree located in any Kmart store across New Zealand. Take a gift tag from the tree to identify the age and gender of a suitable recipient and place it with your gift. Gifts do not have to be purchased at Kmart.

Alternatively, you can make a cash contribution to the Appeal at any Kmart store register or online at http://wishingtree.kmart.co.nz

Cash contributions are converted into Kmart gift cards, which are distributed by The Salvation Army, allowing Appeal recipients to choose their own Christmas gift.

The 2011 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal will be present on Facebook, Twitter and online at http://wishingtree.kmart.co.nz

Can you help?

The Appeal has an association with many recipient families, and an array of special stories about heartfelt donations that may be of interest for Christmas features. If you are planning any Christmas stories or December calendar of events that could include the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, please let us know. Images are available.