Christmas appeal collects 363,000 gifts

Australia's largest Christmas appeal has topped its own record with more than
363,000 donations to people in need.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal beat the odds and the global economic outlook this
year with the generosity of individual and corporate contributions.
Kmart stores across the country received the gift donations, which represent an
increase of 10.6 per cent from last year with 63,000 of the gifts coming from the
corporate sector.
"The general public has once again displayed great compassion and their incredible
generosity has made this year's appeal a wonderful success," Kmart managing director
Guy Russo said in a statement.
"It appears evident that even in tough financial times Australians dig deep to
support people in our community who are struggling."
The appeal has collected more than 4.5 million gifts over the past 21 years and
supports the Salvation Army, The Smith Family, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and
Charity Link.