Kilburn school girl’s Kits for Kids fundraiser to buy Christmas gifts for homeless children
Astrid Aurell who set up 'Kits for Kids', an annual project that raises money to buy Christmas presents for children living in temporary accommodation. Picture: Alex Rumford - Credit: Archant
“Inspirational” Astrid Aurell is on a mission to raise more than £5,000 to buy Christmas presents for children living in temporary accommodation.
Astrid Aurell who set up 'Kits for Kids', an annual project that raises money to buy Christmas presents for children living in temporary accommodation. Picture: Alex Rumford - Credit: Archant
The 12-year-old, who lives in Kilburn Lane, founded her campaign Kits for Kids in 2016, when she was nine, and raised £1,350 to spend on kids living in hostels.
This year she has gone further and hopes to raise £5,000 to buy presents for 250 youngsters which she'll distribute through two charities - Doorstep Shelter in Finchley Road and Shepherds Bush Families Project - and is currently only £700 away from hitting her target.
"I started this campaign was because I found out just how many children in the UK are actually in a situation of homelessness or temporary accommodation," she said.
"This year, over 130,000 kids - kids no different than me - will not have a home for Christmas. On top of this, four million kids in the UK live in poverty.
Astrid Aurell who set up 'Kits for Kids', raises money to buy Christmas presents for children living in temporary accommodation. Picture: Alex Rumford - Credit: Archant
You may also want to watch:
"I can't change the terrible statistics but I can try to help a little by making sure as many kids as possible have a gift to open at Christmas.
"I hope that it makes it easier on the parents, not having to try and choose between rent or food and making their child happy on Christmas morning.
Most Read
- 1 Gun shot at wall during 'terrifying' burglary in Wembley
- 2 Police continue Wembley murder investigation after footage emerges
- 3 Two arrested after man survives being stabbed in Wembley
- 4 Bailed: Four men arrested in connection with Sven Badzak killing in Kilburn
- 5 Appeal to send Wembley great-gran 101 birthday cards to 'make her day'
- 6 QPR defender Dickie praises the board and manager for change in fortunes
- 7 New vaccine and test centre opens in Willesden Green mosque
- 8 Man jailed after victim stabbed with machete in Neasden burglary
- 9 Wanted drug dealer jailed after police seize combat knives in Willesden
- 10 Neasden teen jailed for manslaughter of Meshach Williams in Harlesden
"I think it's really sad that poverty is such a big issue in a rich country like the UK and that kids are in this situation."
Formerly a pupil at Princess Frederica in Kensal Rise, Astrid buys gifts for children aged up to 16, "anything from Frozen Dolls to Lego sets, to big art sets, Avengers figures, headphones, extra cuddly teddy bears and more".
She then gets her friends together to help wrap them and then delivers it to the charities who distribute them to families.
Not only has she been made a Go Fundme Hero, she has also captured the attention of local actor and comedian Doc Brown who said she's "an inspirational young person".
"Astrid's doing an amazing thing, and being a Kilburn native, I have to say it fills me with pride, he said.
"Actions always speak louder than words and Astrid has truly taken action here.
"The money she's raising on GoFundMe will help bring a smile to children in such difficult situations, and the more people support it, the more children she can help.
"By donating to the campaign, we can all be a part of the action and make a real difference.
"It's a simple click away and every tiny contribution can become a huge statement."
