- More than 5,650 Christmas presents donated to children and young people in out-of-home care across WA
- Annual Christmas Present Drive is organised by the Department of Communities and is a collaboration across Government
The State Government’s annual Christmas Present Drive, organised by the Department of Communities, is delivering a record haul in 2023, with more than 5,650 gifts collected for Western Australia’s children and young people in out-of-home care.
The cross-government effort collects and delivers thousands of presents each year, which provides some supports for foster and family carers in what can be an especially challenging time for children and young people in care.
The presents are donated to children and young people living in out-of-home care arrangements, or who are engaged with Communities’ Child Safety and Intensive Family Support teams.
Communities volunteer “elves” work tirelessly to coordinate thousands of participants and sponsors, ensuring the wrapped gifts are delivered across the State, from Albany to Broome, in time for Christmas Day.
The Christmas Present Drive continues to grow each year and has seen generous donations and participation from Ministers’ and MPs’ offices, as well as Government departments and agencies.
As well as donating gifts, the WA Police Force plays an invaluable role delivering gifts to Kununurra, Broome, Karratha and Kalgoorlie via the WA Police Air Wing, and by road transportation to Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
“Christmas can be a difficult time for WA’s vulnerable children and young people. I really appreciate the generosity of this year’s present donors who’ve gone above and beyond to spread some Christmas cheer.
“Support from the WA Police Force and Child Protection staff to deliver presents across the State ensures presents are delivered throughout our vast State.
“The drive has grown every year, with more and more Government departments, other agencies and Ministerial and MPs offices taking part and it would not be possible without the incredible efforts of the wonderful “elves” at Communities.”
