December 19 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Christmas Gift Collection for The Buddy Bag Foundation at The Lichfield Garrick 

Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio, Castle Dyke, Lichfield 

The Lichfield Garrick Theatre is opening its door to collect gifts for helping child victims of domestic abuse. 

On the 19th of December between 9am-5pm, Nurture Community CIC - a not for profit organisation supported by local businesses - will be urging the community to make a positive difference to a locally recognised charity The Buddy Bag Foundation.  

The community can make a positive difference this Christmas by bringing along a wrapped gift to donate to the cause on the 19th of December between 9am-5pm. A label on the outside for the gender(s) and age range of the gift will be required, this will then enable the Buddy Bag Foundation to gift appropriately.  

Nurture Community CIC has been responsible in creating this partnership between charities and will be setting up a wrapping station with paper and labels on the day. Centrally locating the gift collection for the Buddy Bag Foundation at the Garrick Theatre is essential, as it makes it accessible for all to help make a difference this Christmas.  The Buddy Bag Foundation ask on this occasion that any toys/books/gifts are new. 

“Lichfield Garrick Arts Charity is so pleased that it can support Nurture Community and The Buddy Bag Foundation this Christmas. It’s important for the Garrick to support other charities and make a difference in its community. Hopefully this small contribution will  help raise a smile to the children that need it the most this Christmas.” - Matt Clay, Interim Executive Manager 

MORE ABOUT THE BUDDY BAG FOUNDATION: 

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. 

The founder of a Midland charity that helps children fleeing domestic violence at home has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list.  

Karen Williams, CEO of The Buddy Bag Foundation, was recognised by the Queen for her services to victims of domestic abuse.  

The foundation provides buddy bags – back packs filled with home comforts and essential items – to children living in emergency accommodation. That can be refuges, hotels or B&Bs.  

Since its launch in 2015, the foundation’s volunteers have packaged and delivered over 30,000 bags to children after raising more than £750,000.    

The idea for the foundation came about in 2014 when Karen, a mother of three and grandmother of four, was in Australia visiting her son. She read about an Australian charity that helps children who have encountered violence and abuse.  

“Reading the piece stirred a deep emotional reaction within me and as a mother I just had to do something for children in emergency care back home in the UK,” said Karen.  

 “So I set up the Buddy Bag Foundation in 2015.  

“The bags go to children who have to flee the family home because of violent situations and often arrive at centres in the middle of the night with nothing.  

“Bags cost £25 to fill and contain essential items such as toiletries, pyjamas and underwear and comforting items including books and teddy bears.”  

Earlier in December, the foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary.  

Karen added: “What an amazing journey we have found ourselves on. The plan to make a difference to children by supplying our bags has totally exceeded by wildest dreams.  

“With the support of our trustees, ambassadors and volunteers, we have raised over £750,000, with 100 per cent of all donations going towards supplying the buddy bags. We have managed to pack over 30,000 buddy bags and engaged with over 400 volunteers.  

“Reading the thank you cards from the children and testimonials from the mums and refuge centres have touched the hearts of so many.”  

In 2017, Karen was given a Points of Light award by then prime minister Theresa May, and in 2018 she was a finalist in Lorraine Kelly’s Woman of the Year contest.