UW Partners, Karen and Chris Williams, set up the Buddy Bag Foundation to provide essential items to children in emergency care. Karen was awarded an OBE in 2022 for her services to domestic violence.
‘My dream six years ago was to set up a charity that could and would make a real meaningful difference to children in emergency care.
I will be forever indebted to my parents who taught me that if something is worth achieving then it is worth working for, as well as the importance of focus and positivity.
With the assistance and support of all our volunteers, we have realised this dream’
~ Karen Williams
The positive impact on 41,000 children
UW partners Karen and Chris Williams set up the Buddy Bag Foundation, supporting children in emergency care with a bag of essential supplies. Earlier this year, Karen visited Windsor Castle to receive her OBE.
Karen said, “I was so excited to have received an OBE especially to have my mom and dad and all my family there with me to celebrate. But it was a team effort with over 3000 volunteers and many of them are UW partners.”
It’s been the flexibility of the UW partner opportunity, giving Karen and Chris the time to help others.
Karen continues, “What I love about UW is that I can help people save money, I can help people make money. And now I can make a difference in all these children’s lives. By building my Utility Warehouse business. It has given me real genuine friends. And it’s great when we all get together to pack our Buddy Bags.
Years ago I always wanted to earn a million pounds and now realise it’s the most fabulous feeling to be able to raise a million pounds.
Our bags of love include 12 essential items. They have brand new pyjamas which say “I am Brave”, a toiletry bag that contains essential toiletry items, a reading book and also stationery items to keep them occupied. And of course, our beautiful knitted toys. We receive thank-yous from the children that we’ve delivered our bags of love to.
Some of the things the children say:
“Thank you. You really make us feel like we matter”.
“Thank you. Words can’t express my feelings”.
It feels great to know that we’ve had a positive impact on over 41,000 children right across the UK, helping them to recognise that they really do matter.”
If you would like to help make a difference to children in emergency care, there are a variety of things you can do to help. Whether it’s making knitted toys or toiletry bags to go in The Buddy Bags or simply making a donation. Every contribution really helps.
To download the knitting and sewing patterns, you can visit the Resource Centre on our website to download the PDF here
If you are a business looking to participate in a group challenge with your team, then our BBF Challenge Box is a unique opportunity for businesses to support a local cause, whilst also providing a fun and engaging team-building opportunity.
This article was first published at: https://www.uwstories.co.uk/stories/doing-good
