Christmas Present Drive for children and young
people in out-of-home care reaches a new milestone, with 35,000 gifts delivered
since 201240 organisations participated in 2025, with
gifts distributed State-wideScitech offering 500 free passes for WA foster
care households to visit the science discovery centre at an in-kind value of
$51,000

The Cook
Government’s annual Christmas Present Drive has reached a new milestone in 2025
with over 35,000 presents having been donated and delivered State-wide since
its inception in 2012.  

The initiative aims to spread some seasonal cheer to
children and young people in out-of-home care who might be unable to spend time
with their biological families at Christmas.

More than 40 organisations have participated in the
2025 drive, with participants able to sponsor a child and purchase a Christmas
gift based on a wish list compiled by Department of Communities, with input
from the recipients.

The present
drive continues to grow each year thanks to generous donations and
participation from State Government and private sector employees.

The Cook
Government has also recently partnered with Scitech to offer 500 free passes
for Western Australian foster care households to attend the popular science
discovery centre in West Perth.

Each pass
permits two adults and four children with passes valid for 12 months from the
date of issue.

The in-kind
contribution from Scitech amounts to $51,000 and covers up to 1,000 adults and
2,000 children.

Passes were
issued through an expression of interest process, ensuring priority access for
foster care households in regional areas.

Comments attributed to Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:

“The Christmas Present
Drive has been proudly sharing joy and generosity for more than a decade, with
2025 reaching a new milestone with more than 35,000 gifts donated since the
program launched.

“This incredible campaign continues to grow each year and captures the
imagination of donors and recipients alike.

“I’d like to thank the
Christmas Elves at the Department of Communities who co-ordinate an immense
logistical effort each year in support of some very special and deserving
children and young people.

“The Cook Government is committed to supporting foster care households in
Western Australia as part of our commitment to building safe and inclusive
communities.

“Through the generosity of Scitech, thousands of children and young
people in care will be able to attend one of Perth’s premiere family
attractions for a day filled with fun, activities, and learning.”