The bags aim to offer children a sense of dignity, reassurance and security during an unsettling time.
The dedication of volunteers, fundraisers and supporters was at the heart of the Buddy Bag Foundation Awards, celebrating the people helping vulnerable children at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The awards recognise the commitment of the people behind the Buddy Bag Foundation, a charity established in 2015 to support children entering emergency accommodation, including those fleeing domestic abuse. The foundation provides children with their own Buddy Bag containing essential items such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear and comfort items, including a book and a teddy bear.
The bags aim to offer children a sense of dignity, reassurance and security during an unsettling time. The annual awards provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals, groups and organisations whose fundraising, volunteering and practical support help the charity continue its work.
Founded by Karen Williams OBE, the Buddy Bag Foundation has grown through the efforts of volunteers and supporters across the country. In 2022, the organisation received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the contribution made by its volunteers.
The charity has also expanded its support beyond Buddy Bags through the Buddy Fund, which helps families leaving refuge accommodation and moving into permanent homes by providing essential items for children’s bedrooms.
Behind every bag is a collective effort to ensure that children facing uncertainty have access to practical necessities and something they can call their own.
The Awards celebrate not only individual achievements but also the wider community of people working together to bring comfort and hope to children who need it most.
