Exclusive by Alan Quick

THREE local children, pupils at Copplestone Primary School, this year asked for donations to help children in Syria, instead of receiving Christmas presents from friends and extended family.

Isaac (9), Agnes (7) and Owain Olsson (4), who live at Copplestone, teamed up with their cousins, Mary, Maddy, Otto, Eliza, Bethany, Poppy and Edie to ask people to donate money to Unicef’s “Syria Safe and Warm Appeal”, instead of buying them Christmas presents.

Isaac told the "Courier": "We wanted to raise money for the unlucky children caught up in the Syrian war.”

While they all had many less presents than usual, Isaac, Agnes and Owain said they were happy to help children less fortunate.

Isaac commented: "We are not losing much but it makes a big difference to the children in Syria."

Their mum, Helen, said that the children were helped to set up The Scorer and Olsson Children’s Christmas Present Fundraising JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Scorer-Olsson .

She explained that, to date, £1,320 has been raised thanks to many generous people plus an additional £308.75 through Gift Aid.

Isaac added that their target was just £400 and that they were really pleased to raise so much more.

Helen added: "We never expected it to take off so much but it does show that people do care about refugees."

On their JustGiving page, it states: "We hope that by joining forces we can raise lots of money to help look after children living in such terrible conditions due to the conflict in Syria.

"Right now, millions of children are in danger.

"They face violence, disease, hunger and the chaos of war. Unicef ensures more children get life-saving food, vaccinations, education and protection than anyone else.

"Today, children in places like Syria, South Sudan and Yemen are caught up in violent conflict, with millions forced to flee their homes.

"In 2015, Unicef responded to 310 emergencies in 102 countries. Please donate whatever you can to our fundraiser for Unicef UK. With your help, we can build a safer world for children."

Unicef said that after five years of war, thousands of Syria’s children face a bitter winter without blankets and shelter.

It adds: “Frightened and cold, they will struggle to survive. Please support our Syria Winter Appeal.”

Among those who donated was Miss A Mitchell, who wrote on the JustGiving page: “What a fantastic and heart-warming thing to do. Amazing! Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.”

Another who described herself as “Silly Sarah” also donated and wrote: “Well done my generous young friends! I hope you enjoy seeing the good work you are doing. We are very proud of your warmheartedness :-).”

Granny Di and Grandpa John donated and wrote: “Well done, kids, what a thoughtful, generous thing to do this Christmas!

If you would like to contribute to the children’s fundraising, please leave a donation at the “Crediton Courier” office or do so online via the JustGiving page.