Slice of Christmas cheer shared

Kmart kicked off its annual Wishing Tree Appeal last week with the Baler Primary School choir singing Aussie Christmas carols at the store.

In its 29th year, the Wishing Tree Appeal was created as a way for the company to take advantage of the wide network of stores to help those in need at Christmas and show them they are not alone.

At midday last Thursday, Baler Primary School choir opened the annual event with Aussie Christmas carols such as Aussie Jingle Bells and Six White Boomers.

This year South Hedland’s Kmart will collect 300 presents for children in need, store manager Shane Alexander said.

“We know it’s been a challenging few years for the town, but it’s a great chance for the community to get together and help out those in need,” he said.

“People can put a gift of their choice under the tree, donate online or select a monetary amount of their choosing in store at the self-service checkouts.”

Mr Alexander rounded out the event by thanking his co-workers and Baler Primary School students for coming and singing at the store.

Year 3 student Tia Reece was chosen to represent Baler Primary School to cut the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal cake and hand out cupcakes to her fellow students.

The Wishing Tree Appeal will run until Christmas Eve.

The store is encouraging all forms of donations from customers and other members of the community.