Children ‘have become more charitable’ in response to Ukraine war and Covid pandemic

UK children have given or raised money five times on average in past five years, Maryam Zakir-Hussain reports

Children ‘have become more charitable’ in response to Ukraine war and Covid pandemic (AP)

Children have become more charitable in response Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic, research suggests.

Some 79 per cent of children aged between seven to 14 wish they could do more to help their peers affected by war and hunger, a survey found.

Children polled have given or raised money for a charity five times on average in the past two years in the UK, with a third of them becoming more charitable amid Covid and world conflict.

The study, conducted by Beano Brain, also revealed 68 per cent of children want to raise money to help make sure that children in the UK and around the world have food to eat.

Julia Donaldson, author of household favourite children’s book The Gruffalo, is launching a new fundraising campaign for Save the Children UK called The Fun Raisers, a campaign which encourages children to use their creativity and kindness to raise money for their peers.

Participants include 12-year-old woodwork prodigy Gabriel who raised £255,000 after thousands entered a raffle for a bowl he made himself.

Somerset siblings Evie, 13, and Rowan, 11, bravely shaved their heads to raise over £3,000 after seeing images of the Ukraine war online and in the news and in school.

Evie, 13, and Rowan, 11, who bravely shaved their heads to raise over £3,000 after seeing images of the Ukraine war online and in the news and in school (Save the Children)

The duo hope that the money they have raised goes towards children having warm clothes, food to eat and a safe place to sleep at night.

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.”

Rowan agreed, saying: “It made me feel good, like I could do something to make a difference in the world and stopped me feeling helpless.”

Seven-year-old Mu’adh from Berkshire completed his second fundraiser for Save the Children during Ramadan, by cycling 200km in and around Berkshire.

He was inspired to raise money for the charity after watching a video of Syrian children drinking dirty water and unable to go to school because of the war.

On raising over £4,000, Mu’adh said: My heart feels happy that I could help someone. I know that if I was in their situation, I would love it if someone helped me.”

Nine-year-old Pearl from Bath set herself the challenge of recreating the looks of different characters, such as David Bowie and Lady Gaga to raise money for Save the Children as she wanted to support other children who had perhaps lost their home or had no access to basics such as food or water.

Nine-year-old Pearl recreated the looks of different characters to raise money for her peers (Save the Children)

On fundraising over £8,000, Pearl said: “I hope the money I’ve raised will make other children’s lives better, and it made me feel proud and happy to be able to help those in need.”

As part of the campaign, Ms Donaldson has written a one-off book sharing her story and experience of her childhood fundraising, which will be auctioned to raise funds for Save the Children.

She said: “I like the idea that my personal story might inspire a new generation of fundraisers and help less fortunate children around the world who might be affected by hunger, conflict, or climate change.”

Follow our live coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war here.