Variety – The Children’s Charity of WA, is calling for support to create more care packs for kids entering their first night of crisis accommodation or foster care. Partnering with volunteer organisation Operation Sunshine, they aim to make enough packs for every child in WA who needs one.
Family and domestic violence incidents are on the rise in Western Australia with WA Police attending 55,926 cases in 2021-22 and 58,994 cases in 2022-23.* This means greater numbers of women and children are requiring crisis accommodation at one of the 40 plus women’s shelters across the state.
For a child, leaving their home under sometimes traumatic circumstances can be destabilising and distressing and they often arrive at crisis accommodation in only the clothes they are wearing. On 30 June 2024, there were 5,326 children in out-of-home care, an increase of 152 from the previous year.**
A year-round activity, Operation Sunshine volunteers put together Variety Sunshine Packs to bring comfort and dignity to children in crisis. Costing only $110, each pack is thoughtfully filled with age-appropriate essentials such as clothing, toiletries, a book, a soft toy; all the essentials a child or young person might need for their first night entering care.
Head of Operation Sunshine WA, Leah Atkinson said the organisation’s aim is to lessen the negative impact on every child who is entering care tonight: “Each year there is an increase in incidents of Family and Domestic Violence as well as an increase in the number of children entering out-of-home care.
“As a direct result we see an increase in demand for Variety Sunshine Packs provided to children and young people entering emergency accommodation and out-of-home care. The packs have a positive impact on the children who receive them, giving them an important message of being valued and cared for by the community which donate.” She said.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of WA, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Chatterton said the partnership with Operation Sunshine means more children can be supported through a very difficult time: “We have been working with Operation Sunshine for several years, and being able to offer a child a simple pack of essentials and toys brings a little comfort during a really overwhelming time for anyone.
“A total of 2,650 packs were distributed in 2024/2025 and we aim to produce enough packs for every child who needs one.
“Our wish is that every child who is entering care tonight has a carefully put together pack to help them feel valued and cared for on their first night in crisis accommodation.
“At a cost of $110 per pack your generous donation can be the reason a child has clean pyjamas, a toothbrush, and a soft toy tonight.” He said.
