The Power of Kindness: Webmart’s Corporate Volunteer Day with Buddy Bags
As part of our annual Strategy Day, the Webmarteers had the privilege of taking part in a corporate volunteer day with the incredible team at The Buddy Bag Foundation.
This wasn’t your typical team-building activity. Before we even packed a single bag, we were introduced to the heart of the mission by founder, Karen Williams. Karen shared moving stories about the children who receive the Buddy Bags, many of them in emergency accommodation after fleeing domestic violence. As she read out letters from the children themselves, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was a powerful reminder of what hundreds of families go through every year, and just how far a simple act of kindness can reach.
The Buddy Bag Foundation: Restoring comfort to children in crisis
The Buddy Bag Foundation provides backpacks filled with essential items for children entering emergency care. Each Buddy Bag contains thoughtful necessities like toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear, books, and a handmade teddy bear. Small but mighty gestures designed to offer comfort, security, and a sense of belonging during some of the toughest times imaginable.
We packed 144 bags during our afternoon, tipping the grand total to over 67,000 bags since the charity’s inception in 2015!
Rolling up our sleeves (and fighting back the tears)
Once the introduction ended, we got straight to work. Two packing stations were set up, with every item neatly laid out and ready to go. The Webmarteers moved through the stations with care and love, making sure every bag was packed just right.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was writing a personal note to each child who would be receiving a Buddy Bag. Each handwritten message was our way of sending a little encouragement and warmth to someone who truly needs it. Before sealing each bag, we also took a moment to give the handmade teddy bears a quick cuddle – a final hug, if you like, before they found their new homes.
It was emotional. It was humbling. And it was a powerful reminder of the real impact small actions can have on our most vulnerable members of society.
A day full of meaning, connection, and heart
Our corporate volunteer day with The Buddy Bag Foundation wasn’t just about giving back. It brought our team closer together in a way that no traditional team-building exercise could.
Here’s what some of our Webmarteers had to say about the experience:
Charlotte Jenkins, Digital Strategist & Chair of Webmart’s Charity Committee, said:
“The charity committee is there to donate funds to causes that we really believe in at Webmart. We can see the Buddy Bag Foundation really makes an impact and it’s been lovely to find out more about it and be a part of it.”
Kelly O’Sullivan, CEO of Webmart, added:
“It was a real privilege to be part of the team-building exercise to pack these bags, especially including the beautiful teddies. Every Webmarteer has hugged these teddies and packed them in the bags with love. I really hope it makes a little difference to the children that are affected by domestic abuse every day.”
Why more companies should embrace corporate volunteer days
At Webmart, we believe that good business isn’t just about profits – it’s about making a positive impact where it matters. Activities like this don’t just benefit the charities we support; they make our own teams stronger, kinder, and more connected to the world around them.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to engage your team and boost your charity initiatives, we can’t recommend hosting a Buddy Bag Pack enough. It’s a tangible, heartfelt way to give back, and you’ll leave knowing you’ve made a real difference.
Want to get involved?
To learn more about The Buddy Bag Foundation and how your organisation can help, visit The Buddy Bag Foundation website. Whether through fundraising, sponsoring a pack, or hosting your own corporate volunteer day, every little bit helps bring comfort to a child in need.
