UK children raise funds for Ukraine with haircuts, walks and bakes
From sponsored haircuts to spending chilly hours standing on doorsteps selling homemade hot chocolate to passersby, children in the UK are doing everything they can to help young people in Ukraine.
Save the Children said it had seen “unprecedented amounts” raised by children since the start of the war, at an average of £1,400 per young fundraiser – more than treble the typical average total of £400.
Evie and Rowan Lewis, 13 and 11, from Ilminster, Somerset, raised £2,568 for Save the Children’s Ukraine fundraising drive by shaving their heads on Thursday evening.
Rowan was inspired to do something after hearing about the war at school and seeing images online. “I saw the damage a missile attack had done,” he said. “I thought it wasn’t fair on Ukraine and wondered how many people must be injured, and how I could help.”
The siblings discussed various fundraising challenges before Rowan suggested getting out the clippers. But it was Evie who found that her shorn head had unexpected leverage. “Being young and female, people are more likely to ask you about [having a shaved head], which is also a great way to help spread awareness,” she said.
The siblings’ aim was to raise £100. As they saw their JustGiving total soar to 20 times that sum, they realised how powerful children could be.
“I’m still surprised at the impact we’ve made,” Evie said. “Children are definitely more powerful than we’re credited for. I’ve noticed a lot of people have said about how young we are when they hear about what we’re doing – in fact, most people have. Us being young and raising money to help other children who are in need seems to have a very emotional effect on people, and if that isn’t powerful then I’m not sure what is.”
Rowan agreed. “It has made
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