Karen Williams, The Day I Made a Difference ……
Overview
A family holiday to Australia to see my son in 2014 was a trip that completely changed my life.
I had no idea I’d be going on holiday and coming back with what I believed was a mission, and all because I read an article in the local paper about the Alannah and Madeline Foundation – an Australian charity which keeps children from violence and abuse.
Reading the piece stirred a deep emotional reaction within me, and as a mother I just had to do something for children in emergency care back home in the UK. So I set up The Buddy Bag Foundation in 2015. It supports children that have been removed from traumatic domestic situations and placed into emergency accommodation.
So far the Foundation has packaged and delivered over 30,000 bags to children in refuge centres. The bags go to children who have to flee the family home because of violent situations and often arrive at centres in the middle of the night with nothing. Bags cost £25 to fill and contain essential items such as toiletries, pyjamas and underwear, and comforting items including books and teddy bears.
In December 2020, we will hit our 5 Anniversary. What an amazing journey we have found ourselves on. A dream of making a difference to children by supplying our bags of love has totally exceeded my wildest dreams!
With the support of our Trustees, Ambassadors and Volunteers we have raised over £750,000 and managed to pack over 30,000 Buddy Bags and engaged with over 4000 volunteers!
Reading the Thank you cards from the children and testimonial from the Moms and Refuge centres have touched the hearts of so many.
“Thank you! You make us feel really special!”
“Thank You, these little things make such a difference to children and makes us mums feel better knowing our children are getting something to help ease their transition.”
There have been many highlights during the last 5 years ………
………..Girl guide BBF Badge which raised over £6000….
………..Points of Light awarded by Teresa May, Prime Minister
………..Lorraine Kelly, Women of the Year Finalist
………..1000’s knitted toys donated to BBF
Our vision is to continue to supply our Bags of Love…… ultimately to be able to supply every child that enters emergency care with a Buddy bag.
Thank you to everyone that has supported BBF.
Karen Williams
Founder
The Buddy Bag Foundation
www.buddybagfoundation.co.uk
