Buddy Bag Challenge 13 Completed

Way back in 2021 the Rotary Club of Stafford decided to start supporting the Buddy Bag Foundation.  

From those early days of COVID Pandemic restrictions when it was only possible to carry out a 30 bag challenge by packing in the garden of Stuart and Helen Perren under social distancing rules!!!!!.  The Rotary Club of Stafford has taken on 13 challenges to fill 30 bags with essential items for children who have had to leave their own home due to domestic abuse. The Club has also had the challenge to raise the funds (over £10,000)  so that the items can be purchased to fill the bags, as well as members taking on the challenge to make teddy bears, pencil cases and wash bags. 

in October 2024 a 60 bag challenge was completed with the final packing of the 60th bag of the day bringing our total bags provided to the Buddy Bag Foundation to 390.  

The Club has a small team of shoppers namely Val Westerman, Angela Lee and Helen Perren that look out for multi buy deals and sales, plus we have very kind knitters who make the teddy bears including Joyce who is 96 years young.  Val is our seamstress for all wash bags and pencil cases. This is what we have achieved to date:

· 390 bags equals 13 x 30 bag challenges

· average bag value of £25

· plus the purchase of 390 back packs and their contents

·  that is an amazing £10,400 raised.

Next 60 bag challenge will take place in 2025—

watch this space