The altruistic year 1 student, of Kambah, wanted to raise money to buy presents for children who may not get much under the tree on Christmas morning.

Evie’s proud mum, Emma, says it was all Evie’s idea.

“My husband asked if I had put her up to it, but it was all her!” she says. “Evie knew about the concept of the Giving Tree at school, and that we go shopping and buy something for kids who may not get presents on Christmas Day.

“It started from that last year, when after her sixth birthday she announced that she didn’t want any presents from her friends next year, but donations instead.

“I think to have the idea and then to follow it through is pretty special. I didn’t think she would remember!”

Evie says that she didn’t mind not getting presents from her friends at her pool party.

“I had presents from my family and some of my friends donated money and brought a small present for me as well,” she says.

After the party, Emma says she took Evie to Target and they were able to spend the $168 raised on about 10 different toys.

The toys will go under the Giving Tree at 666 ABC Canberra to be donated to the Smith Family.

“Evie was very aware of the price of everything and wanting to make the money go as far as possible,” Emma says.

“It was a really lovely process. She spent a long time choosing everything and tried to get a range of things for boys, girls and different ages. And some things that she really liked herself!”

And will she do this again next year?

“Hmmm… maybe for my ninth birthday,” she says.