News Release - Wishing Tree - Australia’s largest gift appeal - launched in Melbourne
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8 November 2004
With only 46 days until Christmas, The Salvation Army is urging Australians to help people in need by supporting Australia’s largest Christmas gift appeal, The Kmart Wishing Tree, which launched today in Melbourne.
The Salvation Army has seen an increase in demand throughout the year and expects Christmas will also bring about an increase in calls for help. With more than 2.1 Australians living below the poverty line, the need to give is greater than ever before.
Since its inception more than 16 years ago, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has collected more than 2.5 million gifts for Australians in need.
“Christmas can be a very difficult time for the thousands of Victorian in need – particularly given the increased financial burden of the festive season,” said John Dalziel, Communications Director of The Salvation Army.
“During a year where factors such as rising rents of low-cost housing have affected lower income earners across the State, the appeal will play an important role in providing many Victorians with a brighter Christmas,” he said.
This year the appeal aims to collect 360,000 gifts nationally and more than 75,000 gifts in Victoria – equalling last year’s record-breaking gift tally. The Kmart Wishing Tree supports some of Austrralia’s largest welfare organisations, including The Salvation Army, The Smith Family and The Brotherhood of St Laurence.
To participate in the appeal, leave a gift donation under the Wishing Tree in any Kmart store.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:
- Why is The Salvation Army expecting an increase in demand this Christmas – given the status of the economy and low unemployment levels?
- What factors place an increased burden on Victorians in need at Christmas?
- Why are people more generous (last year’s gift donations were record-breaking)?
- Why is the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ widening?
- How people can help? What types of gifts are needed most?
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