Our story

Making a difference to children in emergency care

Our history

When and where did The Buddy Bag idea come from?

During a visit to Australia in 2014 our founder, Karen Williams OBE, 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 since 2007.

On returning to the UK, Karen researched the facilities available to children in emergency care and discovered a huge need for Buddy Bags in the UK.

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.

Why Buddy Bags?

We are committed to 100% of the monies raised going into the supply of Buddy Bags.

The Buddy Bag Foundation was created in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.

Restoring a sense of safety and security into a child’s life during a traumatic time is one of the first steps to recovery. By providing these children with a few essential items, our mission is to help make the transition into emergency care a little easier.

To support children in this situation we have created the Buddy Bag to provide comfort when all else has been removed.

Delivering our purpose

Our purpose

Why we exist

  • To make a difference to children in emergency care.

Our mission

What we offer

  • To provide a bag of essential items to children in emergency care to help restore a sense of comfort and love.

Our philosophy

How we operate 

  • 100% of donations go directly to the children.

  • To support local communities all over the UK.

  • To provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to give back.

Our values

Ambition

  • Determination 
  • Leadership
  • Generosity 

Integrity

  • Accountability
  • Honesty
  • Respect

Empathy

  • Passion
  • Collaboration
  • Authenticity

Our timeline

January 12, 2014

The beginning

Karen Williams read an article about Allanah and Madeline Foundation on a flight to visit her son, George, in Australia. The Buddy Bag Foundation idea was sown.

January 12, 2014

May 1, 2015

The first Buddy Bag pack

The very first Buddy Bag Pack takes place at St Peter’s Community Centre in Tamworth.

May 1, 2015

December 1, 2015

BBF becomes a charity

The Buddy Bag Foundation registers as a charity. 

December 1, 2015

December 15, 2015

BBF’s first TV appearance

The Buddy Bag Foundation was featured on BBC Midlands Today celebrating 1,000 Buddy Bags packed.

December 15, 2015

March 1, 2016

Welcome to the Girl Guides

The Buddy Bag Foundation Girl Guiding Badge is Designed and over £5,500 raised.

March 1, 2016

October 1, 2016

A Buddy Bag milestone

The Buddy Bag’s 5,000th Buddy Bag is packed.

October 1, 2016

March 1, 2017

Prime Minister’s award

Karen Williams and The Buddy Bag Foundation are awarded The Points of Light Award by the Prime Minister. 

March 1, 2017

August 1, 2017

The BBF bookmark

The Buddy Bag Foundation bookmark was launched. 

August 1, 2017

September 1, 2017

Buddy Bag pack milestone

The Buddy Bag Foundation packs its 10,000th bag and holds its very first Buddy Bag Foundation Awards.

September 1, 2017

July 1, 2018

Affirmation cards

The Buddy Bag Foundation launches the affirmation cards for mom’s to be included in the Buddy Bags.

July 1, 2018

September 1, 2018

A new Buddy Bag total

The Buddy Bag Foundation confirms its 15,000th Buddy Bag is packed. 

September 1, 2018

October 15, 2018

Woman of the Year

Karen Williams is crowned TV’s Lorraine Kelly’s Inspirational Woman of the Year Finalist.

October 15, 2018

November 9, 2018

The first charity ball

The Buddy Bag Foundation holds its first Charity Ball with hosts Moor Hall in Sutton Coldfield. 

November 9, 2018

November 19, 2018

Dr Hilary Jones

Dr Hilary Jones becomes an Official Patron of the Buddy Bag Foundation.

November 19, 2018

April 6, 2019

100th bag pack

The Buddy Bag Foundation holds its 100th Buddy Bag Pack. 

April 6, 2019

June 9, 2019

Founding goal reached

The Buddy Bag Foundation smashes its founding goal of packing 20,200 Buddy Bags by 2020.

June 9, 2019

Nov 6, 2020

Buddy Bag craft box

Despite the restrictions of COVID-19, The Buddy Bag Foundation delivers 800 craft boxes to children in women’s refuges around the UK.

Nov 6, 2020

Nov 10, 2020

The BBF Challenge Box

The Buddy Bag Foundation Challenge Box is launched to continue providing Buddy Bags despite lockdown.

Nov 10, 2020

Dec 17, 2020

30,000 bags and 5 years old

The Buddy Bag Foundation reaches a grand total of 30,000 Buddy Bags packed. An incredible achievement reached on our 5th Anniversary.

Dec 17, 2020

Jan 1, 2021

Karen awarded an OBE

Karen Williams, Founder and CEO of The Buddy Bag Foundation, was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen for her services to domestic violence.

Jan 1, 2021

1 June 2020

New HQ

The Buddy Bag Foundation HQ moves into new premises in Minworth, Sutton Coldfield kindly sponsored by The Howell Group.

1 June 2020

1 July 2021

Celebrating our volunteers

BBF has engaged with over 3,380 volunteers who have donated their time to pack Buddy Bags, provide admin support and services or who have knitted toys or crafted toiletry bags and pencil cases. 

1 July 2021

2 October 2021

200th Buddy Bag Brigade

BBF held its 200th Buddy Bag Brigade packing bags of love making a difference to children in emergency care in the UK.

2 October 2021

8 December 2021

40,000th Buddy Bag packed

BBF packed the 40,000th Buddy Bag a huge milestone making a difference to 40,000 children.

8 December 2021

9 February 2022

Karen Williams receives OBE

Karen Williams receives her OBE for services to victims of domestic violence from HRH Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.

9 February 2022

2 June 2022

Awarded QAVS for Voluntary Services

BBF Volunteers received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

2 June 2022

17 September 2022

BBF Awards 2022

Coming together for our awards this September was a special occasion to be proud of receiving the QAVS award and to pay our respects and thanks to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Thank you to all of our volunteers for making a difference.

17 September 2022

30 October 2022

Received the QAVS for Voluntary Services

The Buddy Bag Foundation received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest possible honour bestowed on local charities, equivalent to an MBE, at a presentation ceremony at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

30 October 2022

24 November 2022

Buddy Bag pyjamas launch

The Buddy Bag Foundation launches their #Iamloved pyjamas in age 3-5 and 6-8. For every pair of pyjamas purchased , a pair will be gifted to a child in need. 

24 November 2022

28 February 2023

BBF packs over 50,000 Buddy Bags

With the help of 4440 volunteers The Buddy Bag Foundation has packed a total of 51,168 buddy bags across 273 buddy bag brigades.

28 February 2023

Words from those impacted

"Thank you - you really make us feel like we matter."

"Words can't describe how I felt when I received my Buddy Bag."

"The work you do is amazing and I want to thank you for putting a smile on people's faces."

In the press

Follow the latest on social media 

Your chance to make a difference to a child in emergency care

£25 supplies a child entering emergency accommodation with their own Buddy Bag. 100% of money donated goes to the cause.

Make a donation

What's in a Buddy Bag?

Make a difference and change a life.

Make a difference to a child in emergency care

Make a donation

What's in a Buddy Bag?

100% of money donated goes to the cause.

If you want to donate to us directly, you can pay online or via any Post Office or Lloyds Bank branch to:
Sort code 30-64-10 – Account number: 34186868 – Account name: Buddy Bag Foundation  – Reference: Your name