Christmas elves Anna and Ellie Barreto have been raising money to help people experiencing homelessness by designing and making Christmas tree decorations in return for donations. 

Ellie, aged 9, was given a sewing machine for her birthday this year, and along with Anna, 12, decided they wanted to put it to good use and raise money for national homelessness charity Crisis this Christmas, after they saw people sleeping rough in their hometown. 

Anna leads on the fabric designs; which Ellie then sews together. Each bespoke design, which always include one red and white side for Crisis, is sent to the recipient in an equally fun and festive package in return for a donation to the charity.  

The girls have already hit their target fundraising amount of £500 in just a few short weeks and are now aiming to reach £750. All the money raised will go towards Crisis’ Christmas appeal, helping the charity to continue its work to support people experiencing homelessness both at Christmas and all year round. 

Anna said: “We are overjoyed with how much money we have raised, and we are happy to know that we have made a difference.” 

Ellie said: “We have really enjoyed making the decorations. I thought that we would only raise about £10! I hope that Crisis can help lots of people with the money we raised.”  

Rebecca and Luis Barreto, the girls’ parents, said: “Our children have been very aware of homelessness since we moved to Cambridge, where many people are living without a home. They feel very sad and we have talked a lot about how best to help. This is their way of trying to make a difference. 

“We have also been amazed at how quickly they are approaching their target. Our hope is that people will continue to donate, raising even more money for such an important cause as well as showing the girls how much people are supporting their fundraising and what a wonderful idea their project is.”  

Richard Lee, director of fundraising at Crisis, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for Ellie and Anna’s efforts in raising money for Crisis this Christmas. We know that ending homelessness altogether is absolutely possible – no one should be without a safe and stable home. It’s thanks to people, just like Ellie and Anna, doing wonderful things that we’re able to continue our work to provide the services and support people experiencing homelessness need, and ultimately, help us reach our aim of ending homelessness altogether.”