Record donations bring joy to children in care.
The festive season can be tough for children in care, but thanks to the incredible generosity and record number of donations from Department of Communities (Communities) staff and partner agencies, we're bringing extra joy to those who need it most.
This year marks a magical chapter in Communities Christmas Presents for Children in Care initiative, our 13th Christmas gift drive, each year more presents are donated and delivered than the last.
The initiative reached a new milestone in 2025 with over 35,000 presents having been donated and delivered statewide since its inception in 2012.
Communities Christmas 'Elves' have been busy preparing and sending gifts off to Santa and his reindeers, who delivered them across WA, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern and everywhere in between, bringing joy to children in care.
"We are working right up to Christmas to get every last gift delivered, with around 6,300 gifts delivered so far with a few left to go," Chief Elf Malcolm Tsang said.
Malcolm and his team of dedicated Elves have worked tirelessly to make Christmas extra special for children in care.
Through careful planning, organising and packing, they ensure every gift arrives with a little bit of Christmas magic.
When the festive season arrives, the Elves rally together to liaise with case workers, check and pack presents, coordinate trucks for deliveries, and arrange last minute drop-offs.
Thank you to our transport partners 7Mate Outback Truckers, TransWA, Police Airwing, Woolworths, Primary Connect, fuel sponsor Caltex and Communities' own 'sleigh' drivers. They are the driving force behind our deliveries, ensuring every child receives their gift in time for the festive season.
A special mention to Downer Group, who this year celebrates an amazing milestone - ten years of donations. Since joining the initiative, Downer has been a steadfast supporter, helping deliver Christmas presents to children in care across WA.
"This year, we've welcomed an incredible team of 'Elves' from countless organisations across the state. Together, they've helped us spread Christmas cheer to children and young people who need it most," Malcolm said.
"Thank you to our Communities colleagues for their generosity in gifting presents, and to everyone who pitched in-wrapping, labelling, packing boxes, and making sure these gifts reach kids in every corner of WA. Your efforts truly make the magic happen."
A heartfelt thank you to Malcolm, his incredible team, and everyone who helps to keep this magical tradition growing year after year.
Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this possible. Your support makes a real difference.
To find out more about our Christmas present drive, visit Christmas Presents for Children in Care .
