Adelaide United FC is again throwing its support behind the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal by promoting the cause at this Friday night’s home game.
In what is becoming somewhat of a tradition at Adelaide United FC-s last home game before Christmas each year, the club will be throwing its support behind the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal and encouraging supporters to do the same when the Reds face Gold Coast United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
For many the festive season is a time of gifts, giving and celebrating the year that has been, but for others, this is a more a dream rather than a reality.
Aware of the thousands of people and families that struggle to make ends meet at this time of year, the Reds are dedicated to again helping Kmart and the Salvation Army help those less fortunate this Christmas.
Patrons coming to Friday night-s clash against Gold Coast United at Hindmarsh Stadium will have the opportunity to bring a gift and place it under the specially constructed Kmart Wishing Tree inside the stadium or alternatively make a cash donation to Salvation Army volunteers who will be located at the entry gates.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia-s largest Christmas gift appeal. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Australians, the Appeal has collected over 5 million gifts for people in need over the past 23 years.
Last year, the appeal raised more than 464,000 gifts and in 2011 aims to collect more than 470,000 gifts nationally, for distribution via its charity partner, The Salvation Army.
Reds captain Jon McKain, with his two sons Ben and Will, and striker Sergio van Dijk with his son Joaquin, made a special visit to the Kmart store in Kurralta Park to promote the appeal.
McKain and van Dijk did not have to be asked twice to rouse up public interest in helping the Salvation Army distribute over 45,000 gifts in South Australia to homes and people in need this Christmas.
“Being such a family orientated club, we all can-t imagine or contemplate what it must be like for anyone not to be able to give their kids a gift on Christmas morning, let alone put food on the table,” McKain said.
“That-s why it-s so important that we support those less fortunate than ourselves at Christmas and I-d urge everyone who comes to the game on Friday night to bring a gift to put under the Kmart Wishing Tree and to give generously to the appeal so others can enjoy the excitement that comes with opening gifts at Christmas.”
Gifts, as well as cash donations, can be made at any Kmart store until Christmas Eve (December 24). For more information about the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal or to donate online, visit www.kmart.com.au/wishingtree.
To further the Christmas theme on Friday night, Adelaide United is also encouraging fans to turn up in their best festive and will offer a prize to the spectator judged to have the best Christmas costume. So dust off the Santa suit, load up on the tinsel and spread the festive spirit while cheering the Reds onto three points over Gold Coast.
Tickets for Friday night-s match are available through Ticketek.
