Community plays Santa Claus through Wishing Tree
Monday 9th November 2009
Coordinator Anne Potts, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, Mrs Claus with Santa. (front) Brock Watts, Aneeka Armstrong, Jess Natty, Brooke Styles, Byron Armistrong and Margaret McLean (Santa’s helper) at the launch of the 2009 K-Mart Wishing Tree
Last year 1,518 gifts were donated to the Salvation Army for local distribution to families in need.
“The number has been growing every year and I know the coordinator Anne Potts is hoping to reach the 2000 mark before long,” Mr Torbay said.
“By leaving gifts under the tree, members of the community are playing Santa Claus to the families who are doing it tough, a gesture which is in the real spirit of Christmas.
“I urge people to support this great initiative. I know the Salvation Army has a lot of people who would not have much of a festive season if it was not for the generosity of the community.”
To donate a gift, people take a card from the tree and tick in a box who it is intended for – boy or girl, father or mother, grandmother or grandfather.
Gifts can be left either wrapped or without wrapping.
Ms Potts said everyone involved in organizing the Wishing Tree, collecting and distributing the gifts was dedicated to making it as successful as possible.
“Our reward is to know that we are making kids, their parents and their grandparents happy on Christmas Day,” she said.
Members of the Armidale SES kicked off the community giving, leaving several gifts under the tree at Saturday’s launch.