Boorloo Heritage Festival 2025: One Thousand Swans for Telethon aims to raise awareness for sick kids
A collection of colourful origami swans made with community spirit and kindness is brightening up Elizabeth Quay to raise awareness for WA's most vulnerable.
The City of Perth has launched a new initiative, One Thousand Swans for Telethon, which is running during the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival until April 27.
The activity aims to put a local twist on the Japanese tradition of senbazuru — the art of folding 1000 cranes to make a wish, often for good health, happiness, and recovery.
Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said Perth City is inviting West Australians to get behind the special initiative by creating origami swans and raising money for Telethon.
'The City of Perth is hoping to surpass 1,000 swans and raise as much money as possible to support Telethon, so come down this week for a fun school holiday activity for a great cause,' he said.
'Everyone who contributes an origami swan is encouraged to make a donation to Telethon to support sick children.'
Blake Troode, 5, crafted an origami swan with her family on Tuesday.
'It's fun to do crafts during the holidays, and it helps other kids who are sick,' she said.
It was the same for Willow Johnson, 9, who said she was making swans to help other kids.
'We can help make (kids) lives better by raising money for Telethon,' she said.
The hand-crafted origami will be displayed alongside Mamma Maali on April 27, representing Perth's collective effort to support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Western Australia.
Organised origami workshops will be held during the week in Elizabeth Quay for West Aussies, however people are welcome to craft an origami swan at any point to contribute.
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