Angelina Jolie makes surprise donation to children raising money for Yemen with a lemonade stand

The Hollywood star made a 'generous' contribution to the pair's charity efforts

Angelina Jolie has sent a donation to two London boys raising money for those affected by the Yemen crisis. Getty Images

Two young boys who set up a lemonade stand in London to raise money for those affected by Yemen's humanitarian crisis have received one rather A-list customer – Angelina Jolie.

While the Maleficent star wasn't able to purchase a cup of Ayaan Moosa and Mikaeel Ishaaq's beverage, the actress sent a "generous" donation to the 6 year olds after reading about their efforts.

The duo launched their Lemonade for Yemen-Aid stand in Redbridge, east London, in July, after learning about the ongoing conflict.

The best friends have since helped raise more than £70,000 (Dh330,000), alongside fundraising efforts from friends and family, to donate to charities working on the ground in Yemen, according to CNN.

The boys' families were approached by Jolie's agent three weeks ago, Ayaan's father Shakil Moosa told the broadcaster, who said the actress wanted to donate to their cause.

An undisclosed amount was transferred this week.

"She's been so amazing. It's surreal – she's not just a random star, you're talking about one of the top names on the planet so it's a bit overwhelming," Shakil said. "She's phenomenal."

Jolie, 45, also sent a letter to Ayaan and Mikaeel, saying she was sorry she would not be able to buy lemonade from their stall, but wanted to make a contribution.

The boys have since uploaded a video message to their Instagram page, thanking Jolie, who is a Special Envoy for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

"It's really helped us raise more money and awareness," said Ayaan in the clip.

"If you ever come to London, feel free to buy a glass of fresh lemonade," added Mikaeel.

Yemen, already devastated by years of war and famine, is the Arab world’s poorest country and has been battling coronavirus outbreaks. UN agencies say 80 per cent of the country's population, or 24 million people, rely on aid to survive.

"They're trying to make a difference. The beautiful but sad part of this is that they think they're solving the problems but, of course, it's a drop in the ocean," Shakil told the Daily Mail of the boys' fundraising efforts.

"But I think they're doing a huge, great, wonderful thing by raising the awareness."