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 3,000 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 trustees

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

Karen Williams Founder of BBF

Karen Williams OBE

CEO and Co-Founder
Donna Whitbrook

Donna Whitbrook

Chairman and Trustee
Sandra Hinds trustee

Sandra Hinds

Treasurer and Trustee
Paul Tranter

Paul Tranter

Trustee
Harry Williams Trustee BBF

Harry Williams

Trustee

Dan Fielding

Trustee
John Hood Trustee

John Hood

Trustee
Dave Tyrrell Trustee

Dave Tyrrell

Trustee

BBF annual report

Our Trustees Report and Financials published 31 December 2022 is available to download below. 

Our advisory board

Chris Williams

Chris Williams

Co-Founder
Charlotte Shutt

Charlotte Shutt

Social Media and Strategy

Imogen Allen

Website Consultant
Damien Cassidy

Damien Cassidy

Bookkeeper
Ian Goodwin

Ian Goodwin

GDPR Advisor
Katie Leedham

Katie Leedham

Brand Consultant

Linda Aitchison

PR Consultant
Jane Galvez

Jane Galvez

HR Solutions

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."

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

£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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Donna Whitbrook

Donna is a highly experienced business consultant, coach, international speaker, people developer and co-author of a bestselling business book.

Her extensive corporate background and experience enables her to inspire others to achieve greater personal, professional and commercial success. Donna has a heart for people and a head for business.

As a very proud mum and carer to her son who has cerebral palsy and who is now studying at university. He inspires her every day.

She has advocated for young people, carers and families for the past 19 years and has driven the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda within the Health and Social Care and Education systems throughout this time – chairing local authority boards and NHS public and internal councils.

Her own personal journey and experience as a vulnerable child herself make her relevant and insightful.
Donna Whitbrook
Donna Whitbrook
Trustee

Sandra Hinds

Sandra is a qualified accountant who has worked in practice for many years both in the UK and in New Zealand.

Sandra currently works as a Partner at Adams Moore Limited in Tamworth. She is passionate about helping clients grow their ideas into flourishing, profitable businesses whilst delivering the best possible compliance and advisory services.

Sandra is delighted and proud to become a Trustee of The Buddy Bag Foundation to be able to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children across the UK.
Sandra Hinds trustee
Sandra Hinds
BBF Trustee

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

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.

Dan Fielding

Dan is a qualified solicitor who specialises in Real Estate and Real Estate Finance transactions at a City law firm.

Dan studied Law at the University of Leeds and has a Master’s Degree in Law, Business and Management.

Dan has also spent time working for an Educational Social Enterprise, helping students from disadvantage backgrounds gain access to top professions. Dan now enjoys being able to positively impact the lives of others through his work with the Buddy Bag Foundation.
Daniel Fielding
Dan Fielding
Trustee

John Hood

John is a successful advisor and investor, across several sectors, with extensive commercial private public and charity sector experience. John has been advising, and developing sizeable and small SME’s for approaching 40 years, mainly operating in buy and build and M&A.

I feel comfortable within most aspects of any enterprise and my favourite expression is ’you don’t have to be sick to get better.’”

John is a senior member of the Association of British Mentors (the ABM®) and a shareholder of the UK Business Association ®, as well as a Non-Exec Director and a major stakeholder in several other UK based companies, but he adores training coaching and mentoring.

“I have enjoyed worked closely with the local universities in recent times, helping start-ups and struggling enterprises during the pandemic.”

“I am very proud and delighted to be involved in supporting and encouraging this wonderful, award-winning charity as it grows to the next level.”
John Hood Trustee
John Hood
BBF 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

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
Advisor to the Trustees

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.

Imogen Allen

As a website consultant, Imogen's passion is championing websites which speak to humans in a language they understand and can easily navigate.

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.

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

Damien Cassidy Bookkeeper

After leaving National Grid in 2014, Damien set up his Cloud Bookkeeping Franchise Practice to help clients with their bookkeeping by regularly recording their business transactions during the year rather than waiting until the end of their financial year to do this. Using software packages such as Xero, Sage, QuickBooks and Kashflow to maintain up to date financial records for clients of small and medium sized businesses.

Damien now offers his bookkeeping expertise as a volunteer of the Buddy Bag Foundation.
Damien Cassidy
Damien Cassidy
Bookkeeper

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

Katie Leedham

Katie is the owner and lead designer of Be More ROAR. Katie has been working as Brand Consultant to the Buddy Bag Foundation from its inception back in 2016. With Katie's talent the BBF brand and Buddy Bear was born and is as vibrant and engaging today.

Linda Aitchison

Linda is an old hand at this media malarkey having worked as an editor and journalist in the UK and abroad. An award-winning writer, she prides herself on simplifying complex ideas and telling stories that matter.

Linda says, "At Nurture Media we’ve helped tell the Buddy Bag Foundation's story in national and regional media, TV, radio and print, and Karen Williams OBE Buddy Bag Foundation CEO and Co-Founder has spoken so brilliantly about her mission.

I’ve always said helping others helps my heart in what have been some very tough circumstances so I’m over the moon to have been invited to be part of the Buddy Bag Foundation Advisory Board. Thanks a million Karen and team for bringing me aboard."


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!"

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!”

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.

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

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Howell Group Ltd

The Howell Group 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 our staff.

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

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