Angelina Jolie Donates To 2 Boys Raising Funds For Yemen Crisis Appeal

Angelina Jolie supports the call of the two young boys in the United Kingdom who are trying to raise funds for Yemen amid the humanitarian crisis in the country.

Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, the people in Yemen are facing ongoing conflict, poor sanitation and healthcare, and severe malnutrition. Ayaan Moosa and Mikaeel Ishaaq wished to help the country, so they set up a lemonade stand outside of their home with a card that read "Lemonade for Yemen-Aid." It captured attention and was featured on BBC News.

The news also reached Jolie who is committed to helping children. The "Maleficent" star made a huge donation to the fundraiser, according to Ilford Recorder. She also sent the two boys a personal note to thank them for their effort.

"Dear Ayaan and Mikaeel. Thank you for what you and your friends are doing to help children in Yemen," Jolie wrote.

"I'm sorry I'm not able to buy a lemonade from you, but I'd still like to make a donation to your stand. Love, [signed by Angelina]."

Ayaan's mom, Adeela Moosa, spoke about the boys' reactions when they received Jolie's note and donation. According to her, the two boys didn't know Jolie, so when they told them about the actress' donations they were expressionless.

"When we first told them about it we got blank faces back because they had no idea who she was. So we had to watch Tomb Raider for them to get how famous she is," Adeela told Ilford Recorder.

The two initially thought of raising $100 when they set up the lemonade stand on July 5. They even invited their classmates to come and support them. They ended up making $6, 482 on that day after their story went viral. The pair have since raised $67,000 collectively through the Yemen Crisis Appeal, Jolie's donation and the lemonade stand.

Jolie, a special envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and a TIME contributing editor, has been an active advocate of children's rights. During the lockdown, she penned a letter to parents reminding them that they didn't need to be perfect because their kids wanted them to be more honest.

"The Eternals" star was aware that parenting was extra challenging during the quarantine period as many were struggling to provide for their family after losing jobs due to the lockdown. In her letter, she recognized the parents' challenges in staying calm and positive despite their internal worries for their family and how they remained strong even if they were breaking inside.