Buddy Bags Foundation
Grand Sovereign’s Care for Children Fund – It’s in the Bag!
Rt Ill Kt John Tristram, the Intendant-General and Ill Kt Jim Mulligan, the Deputy Intendant-General, for the West Midlands Division of the Red Cross of Constantine, recently visited the Buddy Bags Foundation to present a cheque for £2500 or support the incredible work being done by the Foundation. The Foundation was created in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home
The Buddy Bag Foundation in the UK was founded in 2015, by Karen Williams OBE, to help make a difference to children entering emergency care. During a visit to Australia, Karen was inspired by an article about the A & M Foundation, which has delivered more than 100,000 Buddy Bags to children in emergency care in Australia. On returning to the UK, Karen researched the facilities available for children in emergency care and discovered a huge need.
To ensure as many children as possible can benefit from the Buddy Bag scheme, Karen set up The Buddy Bag Foundation and launched the Buddy Bag appeal in the UK, with the help and support of The A & M Foundation
Every year 48,000 children in the UK require emergency care. Restoring a sense of safety & security into a child’s life during a traumatic time is one of the first steps towards recovery They supply these children with a Buddy Bag containing essential items to help restore a sense of comfort and love. By providing these children with a few essential items. It is Buddy Bags mission to help make the transition into emergency care a little easier.
Although Buddy Bags is based in Sutton Coldfield, it operates throughout the UK. The foundation is run by a team of volunteers and ambassadors so that 100% of the money raised goes to the cause. The Buddy Bag brigades provide a unique opportunity for volunteers to get hands-on and support the cause.
Following the presentation of the cheque Karen said “Thank you for visiting the Buddy Bag Foundation, it was a pleasure and a massive thank you again for your kind donation, making a difference to 100 children in emergency care. Please pass on my sincere thanks to the group.