The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal officially launched today at Parliament House, marking its 38th year of supporting Australians in need at Christmas. In a show of bipartisan support, Prime Minister the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP joined members of Parliament, Kmart, and The Salvation Army to kick off this year’s Appeal and encourage Australians to give generously this festive season.

The Prime Minister, Kmart Group Managing Director Aleksandra Spaseska, The Salvation Army’s Colonel Rodney Walters and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley placed the first gifts under the Wishing Tree to kick off the Appeal which runs from today until Christmas Eve right across Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal reflects the best of the Australian spirit – generosity, compassion and community. With the support of Kmart and The Salvation Army, it’s always special to see Australians coming together to make Christmas a little brighter for families doing it tough.”

For nearly four decades, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has remained Australia’s largest and longest-running gift drive, collecting more than 14 million gifts and millions of dollars in donations since it began. According to The Salvation Army, the need is greater than ever this year.

“Every year, Australians support The Salvation Army and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to bring hope to those in our community who need a hand. Through the generosity and kindness of people who donate a gift, The Salvation Army is able to ensure that no one who reaches out to us at Christmas time misses out on a present under the tree”, said The Salvation Army’s Colonel Rodney Walters.

Research from The Salvation Army shows that Australian families are struggling with the rising cost of living – with 64% of respondents feeling more financial pressure[1]. Despite this challenge, our generosity as a Nation has grown. Last year saw a 31% year-on-year increase in donations.

Kmart Group Managing Director Aleksandra Spaseska praised the enduring commitment of both Kmart’s team members and the Australian community and their consistent commitment to helping those doing it tough at Christmas.

“For almost four decades, Kmart and The Salvation Army have worked to brighten everyday life for Australians. We thank the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, and all members of Parliament and Senate for standing with us and supporting the 2025 Appeal.”

How to support the Appeal

The 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal runs in stores from 10 November to 24 December. Australians can contribute via:

Gift donations:

Drop off a new, unwrapped gift at any Kmart store. Gifts don’t need to be purchased from Kmart. Practical items that can be used year-round are encouraged.

Monetary donations:

• At checkout: Add $2 via donation cards or round up your total at self-checkout
• In-store: Drop coins into the Wishing Tree collection boxes
• Online: Scan the in-store QR code or donate via the Appeal website.

[1] The Salvation Army Red Shield Report – The Salvation Army, 2025, https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/scribe/sites/auesalvos/files/RSA2025/research_report_RSA25_Single_pa ge.pdf.