Australia’s Western Bulldogs Wishing Tree returns to bring holiday cheer to students

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation has relaunched its annual Wishing Tree initiative for 2026, calling on club members, supporters and local residents to help bring festive cheer to children and families connected to Western English Language Schools (WELS) across Melbourne's west.

The initiative aims to ensure that more children from newly arrived and migrant families experience the joy of the holiday season, with donations of gifts for primary school-aged students already coming in from Foundation partners and community members. The Foundation is now encouraging the wider Bulldogs community to contribute new or good-quality pre-loved gifts suitable for children aged six to 12.

Donations can be dropped off at the reception of Mission Whitten Oval until December 14. All gifts should be left unwrapped to make distribution easier. Every contribution, regardless of size, can help make the holidays more memorable for a child and bring a smile to families who may otherwise have limited opportunities to celebrate the season.

The Wishing Tree initiative builds on the Foundation's year-round engagement with WELS through its Team Up! programme, which supports newly arrived young people in developing confidence, friendships and a stronger sense of belonging through sport. Through weekly sessions and quarterly gala days, students participate in sporting activities, develop new skills and connect with peers while building stronger relationships with their local communities.

The annual gift drive extends that commitment beyond the sporting field, giving the Bulldogs community another opportunity to support these students and their families and make the festive season brighter.