Buddy Bags

Sadly the following is a common story...

Janie is an adorable three year old with beautiful blonde hair and adorable chubby cheeks.  She’s inquisitive, playful and loves to dress up in her Mum’s clothes.  Tragically, Janie’s parents have an incredibly volatile relationship which has been abusive for some time.  Alcohol abuse and physical aggression are very evident in this family and Child Protective Services have been called several times.  Last night, Janie’s arm was badly bruised during a raging feud between her parents that resulted in Janie’s mum being taken away in an ambulance.  At about 11pm, Janie was taken from her home by Protective Services and placed in emergency foster care.

There was no time to grab her toothbrush, pyjamas or even her teddy bear.

What is the Buddy Bag Program?

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation has introduced a much needed program – Buddy Bags – developed in response to continued demands to support the many children in emergency care and their foster carers.

Buddy Bags provide children with a backpack containing essential and personal items, all of which are brand new.  It is theirs to keep, providing them with belongings of their very own, and will help begin the process of restoring a sense of safety and security into their lives.

We determined the contents of our Buddy Bags through discussions with foster care and refuge workers, and each Buddy Bag is age and gender appropriate.

What is in a Buddy Bag?

Buddy Bags are packed with age appropriate toys and clothing. Each bag contains:

• A back pack
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pyjamas
• Underwear
• Pillowcase
• Face washer
• Book
• Singlet
• Socks
• Money box or wallet
• Photo frame
• Cuddly teddy bear or educational toy
• Colouring in or activity book

What happens with the Buddy Bags?

Corporate volunteers pack the Buddy Bags at our offices every three weeks. Boxes of Buddy Bags are then kindly delivered by Australian Air Express to agencies across Australia who then distribute the bags on to clients. 

How much do Buddy Bags cost?

Each donation of $120 ensures that one child will receive a complete Buddy Bag full of essential items as outlined above.

A donation of $25 help us to provide toiletries to a child in need.

A donation of $50 helps us to provide toiletries, underwear and pyjamas to a child in need.

A donation of $75 helps us to provide toiletries, underwear, pyjamas and a cuddly teddy bear to a child in need.

How can I help?

You can help support the Buddy Bags Program in the following ways:

• Make a donation towards our Buddy Bag Program. You can donate a whole Buddy Bag or sponsor a component. Monthly donations option available.
• Donate products towards our Buddy Bag Program.
• Donate a Buddy Bag in lieu of a gift for a friend or relative.
• Buy a Target reusable bag and support Buddy Bags Program.

Program Partners