Change and uncertainty is an everyday occurrence for us all and how we cope relies heavily on how equipped individuals, families and communities are equipped to build their resilience and ability to adapt. That’s why, today Kmart is proud to announce a strengthening of their support to charity partners The Reach Foundation and Smiling Mind – both experts in providing young people access to tools, skills and workshops that will help them thrive in life, fulfill their potential and support healthy minds.

Over the past five years, along with the generosity of the community, Kmart have fundraised over $1,000,000 to causes that support young people. This year, they have kicked off the support by donating an additional $100,000 to each of charity partners and with the help from their customers and teams, hope to double this!

“As a dad of two teenage girls, I know that growing up in today’s world can be tough, and it is so important that we do everything we can to support young people navigate life’s challenges.”

Retail Director Kmart Australia & New Zealand, John Gualtieri

Mr Gualtieri added, “Through our community partnerships, we have come to understand a lot more about the issues young people face and mental illness being one of the major challenges. I am shocked and saddened that suicide is the leading cause of death in young people and that 74 per cent of young people reported that their mental health has worsened since the COVID19 outbreak.

“Young people need us now more than ever, and we are determined to ensure that everyone has access to tools, resources and services that support those who are currently experiencing a mental health challenge or those being proactive with their health. These organisations are experts in this field and are working hard every day to be there for young people in driving down those statistics.”

As a major retailer with a network of just under 300 stores across Australia, Kmart’s number one priority has been and will continue to be the health and wellbeing of its team members, customers, and the broader communities in which they operate. With close to 70 per cent of its team members being under the age of 21, Kmart shares a common goal with its charity partners in ensuring their services are available to even more young people and the work done contributes to improving the wellbeing of these young people and their families.

“After working closely with the Kmart team for the last four years, we really want to applaud the investment Kmart is making in both their people and young people across the country. We’re delighted that Kmart have chosen Reach to stand alongside Smiling Mind to receive this increased investment in our work. We are excited to be recognised as one of Kmart’s Community Partners at a national level as they help us continue delivering our work to young people where they need us – in schools, in the community in their workplace and online.”

Philippe Magid, CEO of The Reach Foundation

“We are excited to join forces with Kmart who share our passion to tackle the growing mental health challenges faced by young Australians. Kmart has been part of the fabric of Australian communities for generations and this partnership offers us an opportunity to work with these communities to support positive mental health outcomes. With 1 in 7 primary school aged children and 1 in 4 high school students experiencing mental illness we know we need to be doing more to support positive mental health outcomes from a young age. Now, more than ever before, it’s vital that we take a proactive approach to support our mental health and the mental health of our future generations.”

Dr Addie Wootten, CEO of Smiling Mind

Kmart alongside charity partners The Reach Foundation and Smiling Mind, are encouraging the community, where possible, to make a small donation to these incredible organisations either in Kmart stores across the country or giving online.

For more information, visit: kmart.com.au/communitypartners

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