Kmart honoured for community involvement

The Salvation Army has presented Kmart with an award that honours the organisation for its exceptional service to The Salvation Army and the Australian community over the past 25 years through the annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Communications and Fundraising Secretary, Major Neil Venables, presented the ‘Others’ award to Kmart representative Tracie Walker who accepted on behalf of Kmart Managing Director Guy Russo at the launch of the 2013 Red Shield Appeal in Victoria this week.

The ‘Others’ award honours an organisation that has exhibited an extraordinary spirit of service to, not only The Salvation Army, but to the Australian community – to others. This is a word, that since the founding of The Salvation Army, has underpinned its mission and work. 

2012 marked the 25th anniversary of the annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in Australia and saw Kmart and The Salvation Army collect and distribute 443,322 gifts to Australian families in need. 
In the 25 years of the Appeal more than six million gifts have been donated and distributed to those who, without this appeal, might not otherwise be able to afford presents. 

Above image: Major Neil Venables, Territorial Communications and Fundraising Secretary, and Joanne Cameron, Chairman of the Territorial Advisory Board, present the 'Others' award to Tracie Walker, General Manager, Kmart Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.