Kmart Richmond unwrapped its annual Wishing Tree appeal in conjunction with the Salvation Army on 12 November to gift Christmas cheer to those in need.
The appeal marks three decades this year making merry at Kmart stores in Aotearoa and Australia, and Kmart Richmond has offered it since opening in 2013.
Around 40 people attended its launch including Kmart Richmond staff and the Salvation Army, and Richmond Preschool and the Nelson Youth Choir performed Christmas carols.
Store manager Paul says customers can donate a non-perishable and preferably unwrapped gift from any retailer to the appeal boxes which will be stationed at the Christmas tree at the store’s entrance and the checkouts.
He says the Salvation Army will collect the donated gifts each week, and $2 donations can also be made by scanning the appeal’s QR codes in store.
“We're hoping for as many gifts as we can to support the community this Christmas because times are hard,” he says.
The Salvation Army Nelson Tasman Bays Corps captain Karl Foreman has been based in Nelson Tasman since February but has served 11 years with the Sallies.
He says from past experiences the appeal is consistently uplifting for communities in hardship.
Donations can be made up until 23 December.
