'Massive relief': Kmart's incredible act for struggling mum
It's the most wonderful time of year.
Yet Christmas can also be an incredibly tough time for a lot of Australian families struggling to make ends meet.
Sydney mum-of-three Susan Reea is one parent who knows exactly how hard it can be to juggle the financial strain of Christmas presents and putting food on the table.
Susan was helped by Kmart's annual Wishing Tree Appeal, a joint initiative with the Salvation Army, which helps Australian families by donating gifts, food and money during the silly season.
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A family giving toys at Kmart's Wishing Tree Appeal Supplied
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In 2020, the Appeal collected more than 250,000 gifts and raised over $360,000 — some of which helped Susan after an already difficult year.
"We were struggling quite a lot with bills and had no idea how we were going to pull Christmas off," Susan tells 9Honey.
"Receiving gifts for the kids made it a little easier to come up with just enough money to put a nice meal on the table too."
"It definitely made a stressful situation a lot easier to deal with."
After 2020 dealt us a pandemic, lockdowns and job losses, Susan says Kmart's Wishing Tree Appeal was a much-needed relief as Christmas came hurtling around the corner.
The Appeal helps thousands of Aussie families like Susan's each year Supplied
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This year was no different, and the Liverpool mum is grateful the Appeal will help not only her family, but thousands who are struggling around the country.
"This year has been extra hard, and I honestly don't know how I'm going to put a meal on the table," Susan says.
"I will be putting my name down to hopefully receive assistance with gifts for my younger children this year so just knowing that I have that option is a massive relief to me."
Without the appeal, Susan adds, some families wouldn't be able to have the Christmas they deserve.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal gives food, presents and financial help to families around Australia Supplied
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"There are so many families out there just like mine who struggle and having the opportunity to receive help from The Salvation Army and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal makes things so much easier for us," she says.
"Without the generosity of the community some families wouldn't be able to experience the joy of Christmas."
Thanks to Kmart's generosity, Susan is giving back herself and is now a proud volunteer for The Salvation Army.
She describes it as a "beautiful" way to help Aussie families who are just like hers.
"It's a beautiful feeling being able to help people just like my family and seeing them walk away with a smile," Susan says.
"Knowing that they will have food on the table that night is a truly wonderful feeling."
