K Mart Wishing Tree

18 November 2017

Why not help make someone's Christmas become magical this December by donating to the Wishing Tree Appeal.

HO HO HO: Kmart's Shelly Baldry and Julie Barlin, Salvation Army's Kevin Unicomb, Kmart's Michael Lawrence and Bill O'Brien. Photos: Laura Telford

Tis the season to give and be merry, and at the launch of the Kmart 2017 Wishing Tree Appeal in Port Macquarie the atmosphere could not have been more festive, with a secret elf delivering 430 presents on day one.

Kmart Port Macquarie Store Manager Michael Lawrence said that he was excited to be a part of the first Port Macquarie Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, which began on November 15.

“For us it is about giving back to the community and being a hub where people know they can come and drop of presents for those who will need it most this Christmas.

“We have been blown away by the generosity of people in Port Macquarie, especially a man who came and dropped off 430 gifts for people in need,” Mr Lawrence said.

Mr Lawrence said that presents under the tree will be welcomed from now until December 24 and he hopes that people open their hearts.

“The presents do not need to be huge or wrapped and nor do they even need to come from Kmart, but we are hoping that people come and give a little bit of magic to a family in need this Christmas,” he said.

The appeal is in its 30th year, having raised over eight million gifts during its time, and Kevin Unicomb from the Port Macquarie Salvation Army said the festive season can be a hard time for some families in the community, and asked for people to be generous this Christmas.

“Last year we helped 480 people in the area and this year we have already begun helping people for the holiday period.

“It is fantastic to be apart of the first Port Macquarie Wishing Tree Appeal and I can guarantee that all the donations will go to families who will very much appreciate them,” Mr Unicomb said.