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Our supporters

Making a difference behind the scenes

Who supports us?

Who supports The Buddy Bag Foundation 

The Buddy Bag Foundation could not begin to do the work it does without our incredible supporters. 

From being a volunteer to a trustee, every role each person dedicates is what makes us able to make a difference to children in emergency care. 

With over 5,000 volunteers who help the foundation, it’s impossible to thank every single volunteer on our website but we do thank every person and business personally for all the help and support they give us.

Can you support us?

Can you help The Buddy Bag Foundation?

The Buddy Bag Foundation is always looking for wonderful volunteers who can help us make a difference to every child in emergency care. 

Every minute of help our volunteers can donate to us is incredibly valuable. Any contribution we receive, however big or small, in terms of time, effort and donations is gratefully received and appreciated. 

If you would like to help us in anyway, either personally or commercially, there are lots of ways to get involved. Find out more here.

Our co-founders

Karen Williams Founder of BBF

Karen Williams OBE

CEO and Co-Founder
Chris Williams

Chris Williams

Co-Founder

Our trustees

Click on any image to view more details about each of our supporters. 

Karen Williams Founder of BBF

Karen Williams OBE

Trustee
Harry Williams Trustee BBF

Harry Williams

Trustee

Kathryn Walker-Stack

Trustee, Vice Chair
Dave Tyrrell Trustee

Dave Tyrrell

Trustee

Anu Khanna

Trustee
Patrice Coughlin

Patrice Coughlin

Trustee
Ella Fitzpatrick

Ella Fitzpatrick

Trustee

Neil Rogers

Trustee

BBF annual report

Our Trustees Report and Financials published 31 December 2024 is available to download below. 

Download Annual Report

Our advisory board

Charlotte Shutt

Charlotte Shutt

Social Media and Strategy

Imogen Allen

Website Consultant
Ian Goodwin

Ian Goodwin

GDPR Advisor
Jane Galvez

Jane Galvez

HR Solutions

Terry Burrows

Creative Agency

Asha Patel

Advisory Board Member

Mark Blake

Technical Advisor

Words from those impacted

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

- Parent

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

- Buddy Bag recipient

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

- Refuge Worker

Our patrons

Jess Phillips MP

Jess Phillips

MP for Birmingham Yardley
Olivia Hill

Olivia Hill

BBC acclaimed actress
Dr Hilary Jones

Dr Hilary Jones

GP and TV presenter
Molly Windsor

Molly Windsor

BAFTA best actress

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

Your donation provides essential items to children. 100% of your contribution goes directly to the cause.

Make a donation

Make a difference and change a life.

Donate

Our angels

Thanks to the benevolence and generosity of our Angels, their financial assistance and support ensures the long term sustainability and continuation of the Buddy Bag Foundation.

By providing support to fully develop processes and systems which not only increase reliability and growth but ensure the foundations long term future.

Gowling WLG logo
Original Biscuit Bakers
The Pallett Network
Live Laugh Love logo
RF Building and Utilities Ltd logo
Sporting bears
Pure Staff

Click on the logos to find out more about each of our angels.

Our partners

Thanks to all our partners who help us make a huge difference to children in emergency care.

Brand Remarkable logo
Be More Roar logo
Umbrella Digital Media logo
Pink Spaghetti
Gamely
bbf-procurement-hub-logo
Love Writing Co logo
Cookes Storage
The red door logo
amazon-logo
Action Coach
Hey girls logo
Motion Manor logo
Places for People logo
Southall Harries Insurance logo
LH Illustrations
Magic Lantern logo
bbf-capture-24
PGL Training
bbf-ghost-logo
Cathedral Products
sure-store-logo

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

Your donation provides essential items to children. 100% of your contribution goes directly to the cause.

Make a donation

Make a difference and change a life.

Donate

Karen Williams OBE, Founder and CEO

Karen is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and has a positive ‘make it happen’ attitude.  Her enthusiasm, passion and seemingly inexhaustible drive is not only a joy to behold, it inspires people of good conscience to follow her on a shared mission.

In her work as Founder and CEO of The Buddy Bag Foundation, she draws on over thirty years of business and her own family experience to make things happen.

Karen says, "With the help and support of many likeminded people, our aim is to give as many children as possible the extra love and support they need to guide them towards a happy, balanced and fulfilling future.”

Karen was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in the New Year January Honours 2021 for services to domestic violence.
Karen Williams Founder of BBF
Karen Williams OBE
Founder and CEO

Chris Williams

Chris is a coaching and training professional with more than 30 years’ experience of growing businesses and developing people.

“I’m a loving partner to Tina, proud dad to three wonderfully positive and goal directed young adults and recently a new dad to my youngest daughter Libby.

My philosophy is to Live life on purpose, Love understand and help others achieve their goals, and Laugh because happiness is achieving your goals with a smile."
Chris Williams
Chris Williams
Co-Founder

Harry Williams

Harry started his career working with consultancies and creative agencies to help some of the biggest businesses in the world adapt their product, services and brands to keep up with the ever-changing market environment and customer needs.

He’s now the co-founder of a travel business — Pluto — where he leads on product, brand and marketing. Harry loves working with the BBF to apply his skills and experience to help with the foundation’s brilliant cause.
Harry Williams Trustee BBF
Harry Williams Trustee

Kathryn Walker-Stack

I am an experienced manager with a background in domestic abuse services, safeguarding and operational leadership. Previously a cabin manager and trainer in aviation I bring strong communication, leadership and crisis management. I am passionate about good governance, ethical leadership and supporting organisations to deliver safe, high quality service.

Outside of work, I value time spent walking, swimming, dining with friends, and most importantly, being a mum to my amazing young men.
Kathryn Walker-Stack
Trustee, Vice Chair

Paul Tranter

As well as being Managing Director at PCSi, Paul is a Non-Executive Director and shareholder in several other businesses.

Paul has mentored several start-up entrepreneurs and businesses and helped to create international development and supply partnerships with virtually every country in Europe, enabling novel solutions, yielding new markets and territories for our clients. Over the last decade, Paul and his teams have amassed over £200m of investment in client companies.

Prior to his current role, Paul has held several Director roles within the Consulting, Automotive and Education sectors. Through all these roles, Paul is clear about what motivates him. “It’s helping other companies grow and make informed decisions about the future of their business.”
Paul Tranter
Paul Tranter
Trustee

Dave Tyrrell

Dave trained as a building and civil engineer and spent most of his working life on the Canals and Rivers of the Midlands, before taking retirement several years ago.

Before and since then he has been a business owner and has undertaken various voluntary roles, including Justice of the Peace for nearly 20 years, a member of Rotary for nearly 30 years and most recently as an NHS Volunteer Responder.

Dave and his wife, Judy, have supported the Buddy Bag Foundation in recent years and Dave is looking forward to being able to contribute to the important work of the charity.
Dave Tyrrell Trustee
Dave Tyrrell
BBF Trustee

Anu Khanna

Anu Khanna brings over 22 years of senior leadership experience and a proven track record of driving success in global blue-chip organisations. With expertise in sales, marketing, customer experience, and financial management, she has consistently achieved outstanding results, including exponential revenue growth and the development of high-performing teams.

Anu holds dual MBAs, an Associate Certified Coach accreditation, and a Diploma in International Trade, showcasing her dedication to excellence and lifelong learning. Her leadership roles at companies like General Motors and IKEA have honed her ability to implement effective systems and strategies for transformation.

In 2018, Anu transitioned her corporate expertise into coaching, where she has since helped small and medium enterprises achieve sustainable growth. As an ActionCOACH, she empowers businesses to refine their strategies, strengthen leadership, and foster long-term success. Passionate about making a difference, Anu is committed to leveraging her strategic vision, business acumen, and collaborative approach to advance the mission of Buddy Bag Foundation.

Anu lives in Coventry with her husband, who has enjoyed a long and successful corporate career, and their two lovely children. She balances her professional achievements with her dedication to family life and is eager to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to her role as a Trustee.
Anu Khanna Trustee

Patrice Coughlin

Patrice qualified as a solicitor in 2019 and specialises in family law, with a particular focus on supporting families through challenging times.

Patrice’s work has given her a deep understanding of theimpact that difficult circumstances can have on children and families.

Patrice has always been motivated to help people and looks forward to becoming more involved within the charity to make a difference to those who need it most.
Patrice Coughlin
Patrice Coughlin
Trustee

Ella Fitzpatrick

Ella is an ICAEW charted accountant based in Birmingham with experience working within professional services firms. She manages a portfolio of audit engagements focussing on privately owned businesses within the UK across a range of industries.

Having supported buddy bag packs in the past Ella is looking forward to taking a more active role within the charity and is excited to work alongside the other trustees and volunteers to achieve the charity’s mission.
Ella Fitzpatrick
Ella Fitzpatrick Trustee

Neil Rogers

Neil lives in Sutton Coldfield with his wife and two sons who are now away at university.

He has 34 years' experience in healthcare operational management and director roles, most recently as Managing Director for hospitals in the Yorkshire & Humberside region, and before that services across North Wales. Neil is a strong advocate of collaborative working, compassionate leadership and the benefits of a coaching, empowering style.

Alongside academic and significant vocational qualifications, Neil has an Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership. This has enabled significant reflection about his values - integrity, professionalism and desire to make a difference, together with awareness of issues around equality, diversity and inclusion.

He says “I have been inspired by the Buddy Bag story and the fantastic charity that Karen and the team have created, and how this has provided care and support for children and young people at the most difficult of times. I look forward to being part of the next step in the journey.”
Neil Rogers
Trustee

Charlotte Shutt

With a background in retail design, account management, digital marketing, graphic design, SEO and development Charlotte has worked with leading global brands to design brand image and develop relationships with retailers to build their communication strategy.

With a passion for showing purpose, she has a skill for bringing people together for a greater cause as well as bringing it all to life visually.

Charlotte has been involved with The Buddy Bag Foundation since its inception and continues to be a tower of strength and vision to the foundation.
Charlotte Shutt
Charlotte Shutt Branding and social media

Imogen Allen

Imogen has been involved with The Buddy Bag Foundation from the beginning. With first hand experience of fleeing a domestically violent situation with her two young children, she donates her skills and time to The Buddy Bag Foundation to make a difference to help others going through the same distressing experience.
Imogen Allen Website and Business Consultant

Olivia Hill

At the age of 16 years old Olivia got her first acting role on the BBC acclaimed drama series, Three Girls.

She continued to work throughout her A levels and on completion, she pursued acting full time.

“I am working with the Buddy Bag Foundation because it helps vulnerable children, something I became very aware of whilst filming Three Girls. I think it is a wonderful charity.”
Olivia Hill
Olivia Hill
Patron

Ian Goodwin, GDPR Advisor

Ian has worked in the area of Data Protection, IT Security and compliance for 20 years in roles across both the public and private sector.

Starting his Career at the Information Commissioner's Office, Ian has then gone on to hold various senior level roles across the public sector, and is currently Group and UK & Ireland Data Protection Officer for Odeon Cinemas Group.

Throughout his working life, Ian has advised organisations large on small on a wide range of data protection compliance areas including anything from marketing communications compliance, data sharing and transparency obligations through to data protection by design requirements.

Ian holds a number of certifications in Data Protection and IT Security including CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, CRISC and CISM, as well being an ISO27001 certified lead auditor. Ian is one of the first people globally to receive the International Association of Privacy Professionals Fellow of Information Privacy Designation.

In his spare time Ian likes to spend time with his wife and daughter and watching the football.
Ian Goodwin
Ian Goodwin
GDPR Advisor

Jane Galvez

An experienced CIPD Qualified HR professional Jane is adept at creating HR processes within businesses to support their employees, the business, customers and shareholders.

Ensuring the HR processes gain the best from all whilst supporting the employee experience, Jane has a variety of clients from all sectors and is delighted to be part of the Buddy Bag Advisory Board. She is able to combine her experience working to support BBF with best practice and pragmatic HR solutions.

With a proactive approach and attitude, Jane enjoys the challenge of matching the right pragmatic HR solutions to the business needs whilst maximising employee/volunteer engagement and enjoyment.

Jane says, "I am lucky to have two adult children who I’m very proud of, both with first class honours degrees and now enjoying their chosen careers and a working cocker spaniel who keeps me on my toes in my spare time!"
Jane Galvez
Jane Galvez HR Solutions

Terry Burrows

Terry is a seasoned graphic designer and the owner of Ghost Design Consultants. With over 35 years of experience, he has collaborated with thousands of clients, ranging from one-man bands to internationally recognised brands, on a diverse array of projects. Each project presents its own unique challenges, and he finds great satisfaction in solving them.

Terry has always been motivated by the desire to make a difference through his work and looks forward to contributing to the efforts of the Buddy Bag Foundation in supporting children that need help.
Terry Burrows Managing Director, Ghost Design Consultants

Asha Patel

Asha joined The Buddy Bag Foundation in 2025. Having worked in the financial services sector for 15 years, Asha is acutely aware of the necessity of relevant and coherent policies and the importance of governance within an organisation. Asha brings her professional knowledge to the Buddy Bag foundation to guide future governance.

Asha has always been passionate about supporting children and young people both professionally and personally. She mentors several individuals in the city and actively participates in work experience opportunities with young people. She loves reading and is proud of setting up her first book club.

Her family regular support various children’s and health related charities through event organisation and participation. Asha’s most memorable events include her first sky dive and taking part in a 24-hour kickathon.
Asha Patel
Advisory Board Member

Mark Blake

Mark Blake is the Director of Up-Stride, a Birmingham-based AI and automation consultancy helping UK SMEs harness technology to work smarter.

With over 20 years of operational and C-suite experience spanning manual labour through to multinational leadership, Mark brings a practical, business-first approach to digital transformation. He is currently pursuing a PhD exploring how tacit knowledge creates competitive advantage in small businesses.

Mark is passionate about using technology to amplify human capability rather than replace it, and is delighted to bring that philosophy to the Buddy Bag Foundation as Technical Adviser, helping the charity explore how AI and automation can extend its incredible impact on children in emergency care.
Mark Blake
Technical Adviser

Jess Phillips, MP

Jess Phillips has been the MP for Birmingham Yardley since 2015 and is the current Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding.

Jess has committed her life to improving the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable. Before becoming an MP, Jess worked for Women’s Aid in the West Midlands developing services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking and exploitation. As a Councillor in 2012 she became Birmingham’s first ever Victims’ Champion.

On becoming a Patron for The Buddy Bag Foundation, Jess said: “Birmingham is my home and I know how brilliant Brummies are at working together to help the most vulnerable in our city. The Buddy Bag Foundation is doing just that and their work is so important! Women fleeing an abusive partner/husband worry most about their children and they need comfort, support and care. Apart from essential toiletries, the beautiful Buddy Bags include a book, a photo frame and a teddy bear. This may not sound like much but for a child facing fear and uncertainty this means a great deal. It means a great deal to their Moms too. They can see the difference it makes to their child when they arrive at the refuge.

It is my absolute pleasure to be supporting The Buddy Bag Foundation and I look forward to joining a Buddy Bag Brigade soon. I would urge everyone to donate what they can to this charity so their amazing, thoughtful work continues!”
Jess Phillips MP
Jess Phillips Patron

Dr Hilary Jones

I am delighted to become an official supporter of the Buddy Bag Foundation which came about through a chance meeting with its founder, Karen Williams, in connection with breakfast television when she was nominated for an award.

The foundation carries out wonderful work for many of the 48,000 children in the UK who each year require emergency care and accommodation and a sense of security and belonging. It must be terrible for very young people to be faced with coping with loss and grief alone. Yet small gestures can make a huge difference at these difficult times and the backpack containing all the essential requirements such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks and underwear as well as comfort things such as a teddy bear, photo frame or book is a great example.

The Charity is going from strength to strength and long may it continue. I certainly look forward myself to watching it grow.
Dr Hilary Jones
Dr Hilary Jones Patron

Molly Windsor

Molly is an East Midlands based actor. She started acting aged 11 in Samantha Morton’s feature film ’The Unloved’, and then went on to other film and TV work including BBC’s 3 part drama ‘Three Girls’ about the grooming scandal in Rochdale, for which Molly won the BAFTA award for Best Actress. She has also appeared in the ITV drama, Cheat.

“I am proud to support The Buddy Bag Foundation. It is amazing how they have grown. With such a strong community of volunteers, they are reaching out to young children through the bags packed with love and care.”
Molly Windsor
Molly Windsor
Patron

Make a difference to a child in emergency care

Make a donation

100% of money donated
goes to the cause.

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If you want to donate to us directly, you can send your donation to our Lloyds bank account:
Sort code 30-64-10
Account number: 34186868
Account name: Buddy Bag Foundation
Reference: Your name

  • If you click 'donate', we’ll send you to JustGiving to complete your donation.

Gowling WLG UK

Gowling WLG UK chose The Buddy Bag Foundation as their charity in 2019.

Since then the have raised a whopping £57,000 through staff fundraising events including cake sales, an annual 'Big Quiz' and performances by the firm's choir.

In addition to the fundraising efforts, more than 150 staff have helped out at 4 Buddy Bag Brigades in Gowling's offices.

There was an extra special Buddy Bag Brigade at the firm's annual Festive Fair in the run up to Christmas, where friends and family of Gowling staff also had the opportunity to pack bags for the charity.

Gowling WLG's Corporate Responsibility Manager, Katie Rothwell, said: "It has been a pleasure to support and work with the Buddy Bag Foundation. The charity does amazing work for children who are taken into emergency care, and our people have very much taken the charity to their hearts. Raising more than £55,000 over 12 months is a recent record for us, and just shows how much our people have loved supporting the charity, not to mention how much they enjoyed getting involved with the Buddy Bag Brigades."
Gowling WLG logo
Gowling WLG UK BBF angel and partner

Original Biscuit Bakers

Original Biscuit Bakers is a family business established in 1987 through two brands – Original Biscuit Bakers & Billington’s Gingerbread. A supplier worldwide with hand iced gingerbread creations and award winning heritage gingerbread.

It was in 1987 whilst having a successful bakery business based at The Bread Bin, in Market Drayton that Tim and Sarah Hopcroft, the founders of Image on Food first had the idea of decorating Gingerbread shapes. After weeks of trialling different mixtures the secret (and much loved!) recipe was developed and the gingerbread range was born.

Original Biscuit Bakers are delighted to get involved with The Buddy Bag Foundation as their charity of the year.

Now proud to support The Buddy Bag Foundation as a Charity Partner.
Original Biscuit Bakers
Original Biscuit Bakers Gingerbread Bakers

The Pallet Network

TPN offers an efficient, cost-effective palletised freight delivery with unbeatable service levels. They have 120 Partner companies, with 130+ depot locations around the UK.

TPN contributes significantly to the UK logistics industry. It enables regional distribution specialists to provide a first class national service to UK business customers. However, it is also progressing and developing models of collaborative logistics which could significantly improve the carbon impact of freight movements; the stability and longevity of their partners as local employers; and posits that sustainable business means excellence, fair pricing and the principle of mutual benefit.

Now proud to support The Buddy Bag Foundation as a Charity Partner.
The Pallet Network logo
The Pallet Network Pallet Distribution

Live, Love, Laugh

Discover how you can earn a lifelong income with Utility Warehouse by helping people get an all together better deal on their Gas, Electricity, Landline, Broadband and Mobile services.
Live Laugh Love logo
Live, Love, Laugh
Utility Warehouse

R F Building and Utilities Ltd

R F Building and Utilities Ltd are proud to support The Buddy Bag Foundation as a BBF Angel.
RF Building and Utilities Ltd logo
R F Building and Utilities Ltd

ORS UK

ORS UK delivers new and used office furniture across the UK, with showrooms in Burton on Trent, Birmingham and Manchester. ORS UK provides everything any office needs from a single typist chair through to a complete office refurbishment.

But supplying new and second hand furniture is just part of what they offer. In order to provide a total solution for every office they also remove unwanted furniture through our clearance service and deliver a complete range of turnkey interior services tailored to suit every need.

ORS UK holds accountability and respect for its social, corporate and environmental responsibilities at its core, on a local and national basis and creates and nurtures partnerships with suppliers and customers.

With a belief that 'together we can achieve more', this is the perfect partnership with The Buddy Bag Foundation.
ORS UK A solution for every office

Maybrook Fleet

Maybrook Fleet has one of the largest privately owned fleets in Birmingham. The Business is family owned and run and has been in operation since 1960. They have many loyal hardworking employees that have been with the company for a number of years and pride is taken in achieving total customer satisfaction by all their staff.

Operating from a purpose built facility in central Birmingham, strategically placed for excellent access to the UK motorway network.

Maybrook Fleet have kindly donated office space for The Buddy Bag Foundation for their operations at their site based in Minworth.

Maybrook Fleet Logistics and Transport