Sabine Winton asks for toy and book donations

by Freya Lucas

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The National Child Protection Week Book and Toy Drive for children and young people in out-of-home care will see books and toys distributed following National Child Protection Week to children who are unable to live with their family of origin due to child protection issues.

National Child Protection Week runs from the 3–9 September 2023, and is celebrated every year with the theme ‘Every child in every community deserves a fair go‘. In 2023, the theme is being complemented by the message ‘Where we start matters‘.

The Toy Drive is a wonderful opportunity for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to meaningfully connect with and contribute to communities, and to develop a strong connection for the children in their care with the needs of those in a less fortunate position.

Donations of books and toys are being accepted for children across a range of ages, from babies through to high school students until 4 September.

“Receiving a new book or toy creates an opportunity for a child to engage in play, and it is through play from the earliest age that children build connections and discover the joy of imagination,” Ms Winton said.

To further celebrate National Child Protection Week, the Minister is announcing the latest edition to the Story Animal and Yarn book series, named Wonky’s Yarn.

Wonky’s Yarn uses the metaphorical story of humpback whale migration and follows a whale calf named Wonky, who learns the value of listening to the advice of Elders, in celebration of the 2023 NAIDOC theme – ‘For our Elders‘.

Wonky’s Yarn is the twelfth book in the Story Animal and Yarn Book series, which use metaphorical situations to explore ‘tough stuff’ in life that can lead children and their support networks to experience big emotions.

Story Animals are locally handmade fabric Australian animals and characters with a therapeutic play function. They are adaptable for all ages and situations and particularly useful in early years learning.

The Story Animals resources are used by Department of Communities child protection workers, carers, families, community sector organisations, support services and schools to strengthen cultural support planning, teach protective behaviours, and support stability and connection for children in care, their families, communities and care teams.

“I would like to thank everyone for their generosity in donating the books and toys in the lead up to Child Protection Week, and supporting WA’s children and young people in care,” said Ms Winton.

For further information about the donation drive and collection locations, contact [email protected]

For more information about the Story Animal and Yarn book series, please see here.

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