Farrer MP Sussan Ley has helped launch Kmart’s annual Wishing Tree Appeal, placing the first gifts under the Parliament House Christmas tree in Canberra.

The appeal, now in its 38th year, supports The Salvation Army to distribute gifts to families across our region who are struggling to make ends meet at Christmas.

Ms Ley said the appeal is such an important initiative for many families across Farrer.

“I recognise that some people are going to be doing it tough this Christmas”, Ms Ley said.

“The more we can help, the easier it is for families.

The Salvation Army’s 2025 Red Shield Report revealed that 70 percent of respondents felt the cost of living was their biggest challenge over the last 12 months.

“So, while there’s great joy, great hope, and great happiness at Christmas time, there also can be sadness, and that’s part of what this wishing tree and giving is about.

“Thank you Kmart. I’m thinking of the really big tree in Albury in the West End Plaza and how well supported it is and I know that there’ll be trees around the country that are similarly well supported.

“To the Salvos, thank you for the amazing job you do – not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.”

The 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal runs in Kmart stores across Australia from today (Nov 10) until Christmas Eve.

New, unwrapped gifts can be placed under the Wishing Trees at Kmart stores in Albury, Cobram, Echuca, Griffith, Mildura, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga, or any local Salvos outlet.

If you’re unable to donate a gift, monetary contributions can also be made in store or online through the appeal website.