Christmas shoppers at Lismore Square can make a difference in the community, now that the Kmart Wishing Tree has been launched.

Following Emily Betts' (National Indigenous Employment Manager) acknowledgement of country, the 38th Kmart Wishing Tree was declared open as the traditional cake was cut, with pieces handed out to shoppers entering the store while Joy To The World was being played by Ian and Glenn from The Salvation Army Band, with vocals provided by Nerida.

It was a festive start to the Wishing Tree, Australia's largest and longest-running gift collection drive that changes the lives of many families in Lismore and across the nation.

Helen the Angel told those gathered, "We've distributed over 14 million gifts to children, adults, families and our senior community. Our customers can make a donation of cash, either in store or online or by leaving a gift here with us in store."

The Salvation Army is the charitable organisation that plays a vital part in making the Wishing Tree a huge success by identifying those in need and distributing the presents.

"Last year, the Salvation Army in the Northern Rivers helped over 500 kids with toys," said Captain Philip Sutcliffe.

"We work closely with the Lismore store, the Ballina store and the Oceans Shores store, and they feed the toys into this local region. Without your support, there would be children who would wake up on Christmas Day with nothing under the tree.

"Thank you so much to the Kmart team, and all those who support the Kmart Wishing Tree. Each and every year, we truly appreciate it. It makes our job so much easier."

Many people find it easy to buy gifts for young children (babies to 10 years of age), there are always plenty of options, and they are usually top of mind. Linda Williams is the Wishing Tree Coordinator. She said there are other needy recipients who are not at the forefront of people's minds.

(Captain Donna Sutcliffe from The Salvos, Helen the Angel and Emily Betts, the National Indigenous Employment Manager from Kmart, cut the cake to launch the 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree)

"We'd like gifts for the elderly as well. The elderly get forgotten a lot, and can often sit home alone on Christmas Day."

Teenagers are another group that tends to be forgotten, or people find difficult to buy for.

"If you are unsure, gift cards are always an easy and effective way to donate," Linda said.

"We also have little Christmas baubles on the tree that you can take to the registers and do a $2 donation as well."

Get into the Christmas spirit, Lismore and the Northern Rivers. We can make a big difference and put a smile on the faces of a large part of the community who are doing it tough because of the cost-of-living crisis.