Six-year-old sets up nail salon to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees 

After reading ‘You Don’t Know What War Is’, the moving diary of 12-year-old Yeva Skalietska’s experiences during the war in Ukraine, six-year-old Jessica was inspired to help refugees by raising money for UK for UNHCR. 

Living with Liudmilla and Vlad for a year, a mother and son Jessica’s family hosted as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Jessica developed a deep connection. Learning about their struggle, she decided she had to do something and embarked on a mission to turn her compassion into action.  

Friends and neighbours had their nails painted to support the cause   

Driven by her love for painting nails, Jessica set up a nail salon to raise funds for people affected by the war.  

Jessica’s parents, supporting her every step, printed flyers designed by Jessica herself that they shared with schools and their local community. 

Friends from school and neighbours poured in to have their nails painted to contribute to a worthy cause.  

Using an array of glittery and regular nail varnish, she charged a small fee for her services and provided refreshments, including homemade biscuits and juice, for people to enjoy whilst they waited. 

Jessica initially felt very ‘nervited’ a term she used to describe feeling simultaneously nervous and excited.  

Jessica’s story teaches us that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. 

Despite her initial jitters, the turnout exceeded expectations and with the support of her parents, the fundraiser was a huge success. 

Jessica’s parents were extremely proud that although she is only six, her compassion and kindness motivated her to want to help others – and that she thought of such a fun way to do it on her own. 

Jessica’s story teaches us that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. 

Her advice for budding fundraisers is simple: follow your passion, and amazing things can happen. 

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To read more inspiring supporter and refugee stories, please click here.   

To find out how you can fundraise for refugees visit.