Every year tens of thousands of children in Australia enter emergency accommodation – some arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. The process can be swift and traumatic, leaving children facing new and unfamiliar surroundings. Many will have experienced violence and suddenly find themselves separated from parents or siblings.

That’s why 25,000 children around the country took part in Little Rockers BUDDY YOGA, a fundraising initiative by Little Rockers Radio and Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

Encouraging the children around the country to Namaste together, funds raised go to The Alannah and Madeline Foundations’ Buddy Bag program – backpacks full of basic, essential items for vulnerable children in emergency accommodation.

This year’s Little Rockers BUDDY YOGA campaign has helped to fund over 250 Buddy Bags. That’s 250 children who enter emergency care receiving a back pack filled with essential items.

“It’s more than just a back pack. It’s a bag showing that we care. It’s a bag that’s filled with love for children who have very little, other than the clothes they are wearing,” says Sarah, founder Little Rockers Radio.

“Alannah & Madeline Foundation is extremely grateful for the support from Little Rockers Buddy Yoga. This support for our Buddy Bags program helps vulnerable children entering into emergency accommodation, by providing them with a backpack of basic essential items on arrival. It is theirs to call their own, no matter where they go,” says Lynne Kearney, from The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

Little Rockers Radio and The Alannah and Madeline Foundation this year welcomed Goodstart Early Learning and their 671 centres nationally to the campaign. “We are proud to be the major sponsor of Buddy Yoga. At Goodstart we’re for ensuring the best outcomes for children right across Australia, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.

It’s a wonderful alignment with Buddy Yoga as we are equally passionate about physically active play in the early years which made the decision to be involved an easy one.” Goodstart’s Head of Marketing Tim Cochrane said.

25,000 children in Early Learning Centres across the country followed HEAD YOGI Jade from Kids with Wings Yoga in stretching, breathing and moving for a cause.