Kiwis 'showing the love'

In a display of pure Kiwi spirit, New Zealanders donated a phenomenal 32,873 gifts to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal for Christmas 2011. The 17th annual Appeal, which ran for six weeks prior to Christmas Eve, was the most successful yet.

Salvation Army representatives reported many moving stories of recipient families around the country who received presents on Christmas Day thanks to the kindness of their fellow New Zealanders.

“It’s heart-warming,” said Salvation Army New Zealand spokesperson, Major Robbie Ross. “Hearing the stories of the solo father who was able to give a bike to his young son for Christmas, or the mother who was able to help Santa pay a visit to her three children, all through donations to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. There have been a lot of tears of joy shed as a result of the generosity of New Zealanders,” he said.

Kmart New Zealand general manager Sue Smith said that she was amazed at the kindness of New Zealanders, particularly after a year of difficulty for the nation.

“It’s been a tough one this year, for all of us. But despite the difficult situation that many New Zealanders found themselves in in 2011, people were still able to contribute to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, and put a smile on the faces of people in need around the country,” said Sue. “Kmart and The Salvation Army would like to thank each and every person who donated to the Appeal this year. They have made a real difference in the lives of people across the country, and as a result, Christmas was a little bit brighter for everyone.”

“We hope that throughout 2012 New Zealanders remember the Kiwi spirit of looking out for one another. We should never be afraid to ask for a helping hand, or to lend a hand to others. On behalf of Kmart, we wish for better times for recipients of the Appeal, and that it will be a good year for all those compassionate Kiwis who placed a gift under the Wishing Tree in 2011,” said Sue.