AMF News & Events Latest News Vulnerable children to benefit from the support of the Elsie Cameron Foundation
Vulnerable children to benefit from the support of the Elsie Cameron Foundation
For more than 11 years, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation has provided Buddy Bags to vulnerable children fleeing domestic violence.
Buddy Bags are backpacks full of essential items given to babies, children and teens on arrival into emergency accommodation. They include pyjamas, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a pillowcase, a book and the all-important teddy bear.
To date, more than 100,000 Buddy Bags have been distributed around Australia.
Now, more children will receive a Buddy Bag, thanks to a $100,000 donation from the Elsie Cameron Foundation.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Lesley Podesta says Buddy Bags help restore a sense of safety and security and reinforce to children that they are cared for – a vital first step to emotional recovery.
This contribution is extremely timely, as our communities are experiencing a significant and unprecedented crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lesley says.
"Refuges and emergency accommodation around the country are reporting a surge in children and families fleeing domestic violence.
"Many of the children we work with were already in danger before the pandemic, so the combination of existing family pressures, compounded with the added complications of social isolation and financial uncertainty, has placed these already vulnerable young ones at a heightened risk."
A director of the Elsie Cameron Foundation, Ben Swain said supporting the Alannah & Madeline Foundation's work in this area is more important than ever.
"The Elsie Cameron Foundation is pleased to assist the Alannah & Madeline Foundation with this important program to help vulnerable Australian children," he said.