- Christmas Present Drive for children and young people in out-of-home care reaches a new milestone, with 35,000 gifts delivered since 2012
- 40 organisations participated in 2025, with gifts distributed State-wide
- Scitech 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.
As stated by 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."
