The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal – Share a Gift, Share the Joy
Assisting with this project is perfect whether you’re completing a task as part of the syllabus for the Christmas Challenge, or just looking for a way to help families in your local community.
For many families in Australia, the lead-up to Christmas includes anxiety about whether there will be gifts under the tree or enough food in the cupboard. That’s why the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal offers a simple way to support others and spread generosity across your community.
The Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia’s largest and longest-running Christmas gift collection drive, organised by Kmart in partnership with The Salvation Army. Over 14 million gifts have been donated over the life of the appeal.
Now in its 38th year, the appeal continues to collect unwrapped gifts, monetary donations and other support from communities across the country. The Salvation Army distributes these gifts to families, children and individuals who need assistance, helping to make Christmas Day brighter for those who might otherwise miss out.
Ways to get involved
There are several ways to participate in the Wishing Tree Appeal:
Give a gift in-store
Visit your local Kmart store and collect a “Wishing Tree” sticker at the tree display. Attach the tag to an unwrapped gift and place it under the Christmas tree. Gifts do not need to be purchased at Kmart, although it is a convenient option.
Donate money in-store
There are 4 easy ways to contribute:
- Scan the QR code located at the tree to make a donation of any value
- Select a $2 donation gift card from the tree and purchase it at the register
- Click the Wishing Tree logo on self-serve checkouts to add a little extra
- Drop spare change in a collection box at the register
Donate online
Visit the Wishing Tree section of Kmart’s website to make a monetary contribution.
Group project
Organise a collection drive within your organisation to gather gifts or raise funds together.
The Salvation Army sorts and distributes the gifts through its networks. Every contribution helps ensure that no one misses out at Christmas.
Suitable gifts
Gifts must be new and unwrapped. This year, there is a particular focus on items suitable for teenagers, or gifts that help families connect and share meaningful moments together. Suggested gift ideas include outdoor equipment, board games, headphones, gift cards, educational toys, backpacks, and arts and crafts supplies.
This project is an easy and meaningful action that anyone can take – families, school groups, workplace, youth groups and community organisations. It encourages community connection, generosity and empathy, giving young people a practical way to engage in service and kindness.
Even a small gift or token of support becomes part of a bigger wave of giving. Whether you drop a gift in-store, make a financial donation, or organise a collection drive within your organisation, you’re making a real difference.
To learn more about how to take part, visit kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree.
