Author. Fundraiser. Activist. Meet Olive!

Olive is one of our youngest fundraisers. She has written a book about her experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and is donating the royalties to Ella’s. 

Olive began her book in the first lockdown in March 2020. It started as a diary.  

‘I was frustrated, because I felt like people didn’t understand what it was like for children during the coronavirus pandemic,’ says Olive, aged nine.

‘I felt like I could share my experiences through writing them down, and that made me feel better.’  

Olive wrote a book about her experiences as a child during the coronavirus pandemic, and is donating the profits to Ella’s.

Olive kept on writing, and her diary turned into a book – The Coronavirus Kids. Royalties from the sale of the book have raised more than £170 for Ella’s so far, and her story has been on ITV News and in the local newspaper.

The book covers Olive’s experiences during the pandemic – cancelled plans, missing out on school and being separated from friends - and touches on other themes including climate change Donald Trump.

Raising awareness

‘My biggest hope for the book is that it will help people understand how hard it is for kids in coronavirus times,’ says Olive. ‘And that it will help alert the government that it is so much harder for kids not going to school, than they think.’

Olive decided to donate all profits from the sale of her book to Ella’s.

‘Charities need more help because of coronavirus,’ says Olive.

‘I chose Ella’s because the women they support have been through horrible experiences...’.

‘Like children, their voices are being heard less than others during the pandemic. And their freedoms have been even more limited. I want to raise as much money as possible for Ella’s.’  

Making an impact

‘We are so impressed that Olive has put her thoughts into this amazing book, and we’re touched that she picked Ella’s as her charity to support,’ says Minke van Til, Co-Director at Ella’s.

‘Olive is right - the pandemic has been extremely difficult for survivors of trafficking and exploitation. It has restricted their access to the people, services and activities aiding their rehabilitation, and has left many feeling like they’re being locked away all over again.

‘The pandemic has also made fundraising more challenging than ever, so we’re deeply thankful for the support of people like Olive. We encourage everyone to get on to Amazon and order her book.’

The Coronavirus Kids by Olive Jamieson is available to order now on Amazon, priced £4.00. 

Inspired by Olive? So are we! If you have an idea to raise funds for Ella’s, email us on fundraising@ellas.org.uk

Photos: Olive being filmed for ITV News; the book, with amazing front cover designed by big sister Hazel; Olive’s story in the local newspaper.