In a small, rural village in Lancashire, three young children and their mum were walking the dog. They were having a very normal conversation for the time of year – a time when stores are starting to play carols, twinkling lights are being switched on, and every second advert or email is advertising some other wonderful must-have definitely-need toy for children (or grown up children!). The topic under discussion was: what did everyone want for Christmas?
It wasn’t long though, before talk turned to something more serious. With a massive hunger crisis in East Africa, mum, Anna, pointed out that there were millions of children who wouldn’t be getting any Christmas presents.
Six-year-old Amelie was shocked. Her family and her church had taught her kindness and compassion, and her heart was moved for these children who wouldn’t be looking forward to the same treats that she might be. Amelie thought about it for a minute and then came up with a kind suggestion. What if she were to send the children some of her toys?
The gift of food
It was a very sweet thing to say, but Anna explained that, even more than toys, these children needed the most basic, crucial things – like food and clean water to survive.
Amelie kept thinking.
Maybe they could sell some of Amelie’s toys and send money to help?
Again, it was a kind idea, but Anna wondered if it was a fleeting thought that would pass. It didn’t though. As the days went by, Amelie built on the idea. They could bake cakes and sell them too.
‘Mummy,’ she said, ‘it’s the right thing to do. We need to do this.’
