Sydney Kings renew partnership with The Salvation Army to create brighter Christmas

For the second straight year, the Sydney Kings will aim to brighten up Christmas by partnering up with The Salvation Army.

Following last season’s historic December 25 event, which raised much-needed funds for Australian families doing it tough, the two entities have decided to partner again and make the NBL24 occasion even bigger.

“Last year thousands of people in our community took the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a new way, by connecting with their community through basketball,” said Kings co-owner and chairman Paul Smith.

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 “We look forward to building upon this new tradition with The Salvation Army as our partners.”

During this year’s Kings' home game on Christmas night at Qudos Bank Arena, which will pit Sydney against Freeway Series rivals Illawarra, there will be fundraising initiatives with generous support from Beyond Bank Australia, Acorn Capital and Kmart donated to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

Sydney Kings' major partner Beyond Bank is also activating an in-branch appeal encouraging customers to support Aussies in need this Christmas.

“The Salvation Army is excited to be extending our partnership with the Sydney Kings for the second year running. Christmas is all about community and connection, and this event embodies what The Salvos look to bring to people around the country during the festive season,” said The Salvation Army’s NSW public relations secretary Andrew Hill.

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos, and this year we are anticipating that more people will be coming to us for support.

"This is why we are so grateful for the incredible partnership with the Sydney Kings, as it will help The Salvos support our fellow Australians around the country and ensure that nobody struggles alone this Christmas.”

Watch the Santa Claus announcement video via Sydney Kings' YouTube channel above. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

Recent research from The Salvation Army shows that 62 per cent of Australians are more stressed about their finances this year compared to last year.

Further, almost a quarter (23 per cent) will struggle to afford enough food to eat this Christmas, and 34 per cent will find it difficult to pay their utilities.

The Salvation Army expects this Christmas to bring unprecedented need for support, as during a typical Christmas season, The Salvation Army: 

• Distributes 10s of thousands of food hampers to those struggling to make ends meet at Christmas time.
• Receives over 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without.
• Provides more than 132,000 meals and 66,000 beds for those in need of accommodation during the festive season.

Tickets for the Hoops Capital club’s Christmas night clash with Illawarra – tipping off at 7.15pm AEDT, are available for purchase here.

To get involved and support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal you can donate here www.sydneykings.salvos.org.au