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In January, Workspace Technology saw members of staff submit their charity nominations for us to support during the year. Following a staff vote, the chosen charity was The Buddy Bag Foundation, nominated by our Head of Marketing & Operations, Dawn Smiley.
Set up by Karen Williams, The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation launched the Buddy Bag appeal in the UK in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.
Dawn Smiley says “I first became aware of the charity during a networking event and felt an overwhelming need to support the fantastic work that they do in some way. I already volunteer with another charity befriending children in care and felt that this was yet another way that I could help children in need due to circumstances beyond their control. The fact that every penny raised is also ploughed into the cost of the bag was also an appealing factor for me”.
Over the past ten months the staff at Workspace Technology have been making a concerted effort to raise funds through sweepstakes, sponsored events such as running races and even a skydive along with supporting our honesty tuck shop. Some staff members have even bought supplies for the tuck shop and then paid again to enjoy their chosen treat showing no limit to their generosity.
So far, we have raised £1326 which is just over half of our £2500 target. This money will provide 53 Buddy Bags containing all the essential items a child needs. Just imagine being picked up unexpectantly from school and knowing that you’ll never go home again to get your favourite toy. A Buddy Bag is designed to elevate some of the distress. Containing; toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear, a book and a teddy bear – it is something that they can call their own, no matter where they go.
On May 31st Dawn went along with a colleague, Sarah Ankcorn, to take part in a Buddy Bag Brigade in Sutton Coldfield where they saw first-hand the complex packing operation. They carefully packed each item into a rucksack depending on the age group and sealed them ready for dispatch to women’s refuges across the UK.
It is hoped that more monies will be continued to be raised this year for the charity with the continuation of the successful tuck shop, planned cake bake and several festive activities planned at the Christmas Staff Conference.