Christmas is the season for giving, and while the festive lights and endless carols are a nice touch, some of the most powerful stories this year are being told right at your gift-wrapping station. Forget the generic reindeer and Santa prints, Australia’s charity wrapping paper is back, and this time, it features a star-studded cast of pint-sized artistic heroes.
Eleven brave children, all currently receiving hospital care across the country, have traded their patient gowns for designer hats to create this year’s Christmas Charity Wrap and Heart Tokens at Big W. It’s a cheeky reminder that the most creative thinkers are often the ones who need a little extra sparkle in their day.
Tiny Artists, Big Impact
The collection is a masterclass in child-like wonder, from festive designs on the wrapping paper to the $2 Heart Tokens. Every single cent from the sale of these items is going directly to children’s hospital and research partners around Australia. This isn’t a small slice of the pie; it’s 100% of the proceeds, supporting the incredible work of five major foundations across the nation:
- Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (NSW + ACT)
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (VIC + TAS)
- Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (WA)
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation (SA)
- Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation (QLD + NT)
These organisations are the engines behind life-changing and often life-saving, care, support, and research for thousands of young people and their families every year.
The Girl Who Drew a Koala
One of the designers is 13-year-old Tayla from NSW, and her creation, a sleepy Christmas Koala, is currently the most adorable thing on display. Tayla lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition that has meant more than 20 surgeries and countless hospital stays. Despite the immense challenges, her spirit remains brilliantly creative.
Her experience in hospital is what makes her contribution so meaningful. Tayla has benefited from the Child Life Therapy program, which uses play, art, and educational techniques to help kids cope with treatment, fear, and the general overwhelming nature of a hospital admission.
“The Child Life Therapy program makes my stays in hospital a little brighter,” Tayla says. “I hope that my Heart Token can help bring joy to people this Christmas and make other kids’ time in hospital a little brighter too.”
This is the real, human impact behind the festive paper. As Kristina Keneally, CEO of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, highlights, these teams support families nearly 25,000 times a year, helping children understand their treatments and regain a sense of control. The demand is growing, and this campaign provides a vital stream of support to ensure “no child misses out on the support of a program that truly transforms their hospital experience.”
How You Can Join the Fight
The campaign has a simple, low-key charm that is easy to get behind. The Charity Wrap is just $5, available in two designs, and the Heart Tokens are $2 each. These items are available in BIG W stores nationwide until Christmas. You can either take your token home to hang on your tree, a lovely reminder of the good you’ve done, or you can place it on the Big Hearts Wall as a public show of support for the children’s hospitals.
While we all love a beautifully wrapped present, knowing that the paper itself is a direct donation from a purchase, supporting kids who need a little extra magic this year, elevates the entire festive process. Plus, you’re buying a little piece of art designed by one of Australia’s bravest young creators.
So, as you check off your list this year, consider skipping the bargain bin wrapping paper. Swapping a few dollars for a beautiful design that directly funds essential therapy and research for sick kids is, quite frankly, a no-brainer. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by supporting those who need it most.
