The National Centre for Indigenous Excellence has eased pressure on families last Christmas by distributing presents to those facing hardship.
Their 2025 Christmas Toy Drive resulted in more than 500 toys being gifted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, thanks to the generosity of the community and NCIE’s corporate partners, including Westpac, Telstra and Foodbank.
2025 marked the Toy Drive’s most supported Christmas so far, following the launch of the initiative in 2022.
“It’s really taken off … we’ve been so overwhelmed with support and generosity from the community, from partners, from all types of stakeholders,” said Grant Cameron, CEO of NCIE.
The idea for a Toy Drive came when one partner of NCIE reached out with excess gifts. Cameron was inspired to contact other corporations and the wider community, who did not hesitate to donate.
“Even our members in the gym, they’re walking in with presents just like community members walking off the streets … it’s beautiful.”
Since moving to NCIE in 2014, Cameron has noticed increasing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples due to the disproportionate impacts of the cost of living.
“They’re living quite tough financially. [There are] larger families overcrowding in small apartments.”
He says the Toy Drive initiative has brought countless smiles to children’s faces and has also improved the Christmas experience for Indigenous parents and carers.
“We know that Christmas is a hard time of year for some families. There’s that pressure of not being able to give your kids everything they want. If we can play a small part in easing that pain and pressure, it’s great.”
NCIE seeks donations of unwrapped toys suitable for ages three to late teens. In 2025, NCIE delivered gift hampers to around 50 families from its after-school program and the wider community, ensuring as many children as possible received gifts at Christmas.
The generosity of the community has had ripple effects, with Cameron noting NCIE was also able to support fellow organisations, such as the Asylum Seeker Centre, with excess gifts.
For those looking to get involved in next year’s Toy Drive, gift collection usually runs from December 1 to December 15, though NCIE accepts donations throughout the year at its Redfern office.
The Toy Drive is just one of many Christmas initiatives run by NCIE. It also hosted a Christmas party open to all families, offering a free meal, games and a screening of The Grinch under the stars.
“The kids loved it, families loved it and it was good to see them all coming together, enjoying it and celebrating after a pretty tough year.”
Cameron also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported NCIE.
“Your kindness and generosity have been overwhelming. It will truly make a massive impact for the families and kids we work with.”
