LONDON: Hundreds of Christmas presents have been sent to the children affected by the Grenfell Tower fire after volunteers raised more than £26,000.

Christmas for Grenfell appealed for donations to buy presents worth up to £25 for around 300 children who had survived or been displaced by the fire, which killed 71 people in June.

Stevan Racz, who helped set up the campaign after losing his uncle in the blaze, told The Independent: “The project has gone miles better than anything I ever expected or could have hoped for. Everyone has been amazing.”

He said he hoped the campaign brought some Christmas cheer to the families affected by the fire, many of whom are still living in temporary accommodation.

The father-of-two said the children had asked for a range of presents, including toys and dolls, Nintendo DS games and one child asked for an art set. Some parents requested vouchers so their children could choose their own gifts.

“It’s been wide and varied, because the ages are varied,” he added. The gifts were delivered by several volunteers who had survived the fire. “Families have turned around and said their children are loving it,” Mr Racz said. “Some of them haven’t opened them yet and are excited to see what they get. Some have opened their presents and they loved them because it’s what they’ve asked for.”

Several volunteers, including survivors from the fire, displaced family members and local residents helped to run the project, which Mr Racz said was supported by local schools and the Kensington and Chelsea council.

The money was also used to fund a community event for other children who were directly affected by the fire, such as those who witnessed the blaze or lost friends from school.

The Independent