Launceston has been called upon once again to help spread Christmas cheer to the less fortunate members of the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Salvation Army and Kmart have combined for the 32nd consecutive year to bring the wishing tree charity donation appeal to life again in 2020.
Kmart customers are encouraged to donate gifts and money which are then distributed by the Salvation Army.
The appeal was launched on Tuesday and Salvation Army Major Kevin Lumb said the Christmas period was one of the most important times for charity.
IN OTHER NEWS:
- Tasmania to reopen its borders to South Australia on December 3
- Support dries up: escaping family violence in Tasmania during COVID
- Snapshot shows Tasmanian council's 10 year rate increase
- Report reveals Tasmania remains unaffordable for renters on low incomes
- Chant Street Uniting Church Tennis Club to close its doors after 89 years
"Christmas is a significant time of year and for those who would otherwise have been doing without, it's those little things that can make the most significant of a difference and bring hope and a moment of joy," he said.
"It helps create happy family memories at a time when maybe that wouldn't have been a possibility without that help and generosity of others."
Mr Lumb said the Salvation Army continually noticed the outstanding generosity of Launceston, which had particularly come to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The community of Launceston continues to really blow my mind with how generous the people are," he said.
"At times like this, not only through Kmart and the Christmas Tree Appeal but through The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal and through the Winter Appeal, how people manage to dig deeper in a time that's more difficult is an astounding thing.
Support our Empty Stocking Appeal:
- Chant Street Uniting Church Tennis Club to close its doors after 89 years
- Empty Stocking Appeal 2020 launched in support of vulnerable Northern Tasmanians
- Launceston Benevolent Society assisting Kings Meadow High school
- If you've ever thought about donating to the Empty Stocking Appeal, this is the time
"Launceston really leads the way in that. It's a wonderful experience."
Kmart Launceston store operations manager Kylie Minns said the wishing tree was a very successful event that was all about giving at Christmas time
"It's all about fun. We like to give out those gifts [donated by customers] and make Christmas happy for everybody," she said.
Ms Minns said she made a point of reaching out to the community and getting them involved in the launch. She had convened a number of community groups to help launch the appeal.
At the front of the store the Bee Bop Dance Studio from George Town greeted customers with Christmas themed dances while choirs from Mowbray and Summerdale Primary Schools filled the air with Christmas carols and other community groups.
