No child should have to carry their belongings in a bin bag. Yet for thousands of children in care across the UK, this is a reality they face when moving between placements. That is why we are proud to share the work of Madlug, a social enterprise on a mission to give every child in care the dignity they deserve.
Madlug, which stands for "Make A Difference Luggage," operates on a simple but powerful principle. For every bag purchased, they donate a pack-away travel bag to a child in care. Since launching in 2015, they have distributed over 110,000 bags to young people across the UK and Ireland.
The Story Behind Madlug
Madlug was founded by Dave Linton, a youth worker who was heartbroken to learn that children in care often have to transport their worldly possessions in black bin bags or flimsy shopping bags. The image of young people moving between placements with their belongings in rubbish bags stayed with him.
Starting with just £480 and, as Dave jokes, "bags of enthusiasm," he set out to change this. The result was Madlug, a B Corp certified social enterprise that puts purpose before profit.
More Than Just a Bag
The giving bags that Madlug provides are specially designed in partnership with care professionals and young people who have experienced the care system. They are bright, durable, and pack away small enough to keep even when not being used.
Perhaps most importantly, each bag carries a label that says "You are incredible." It is a small detail, but for a child who may feel forgotten or worthless, those words can mean everything. The bag becomes more than just a practical item; it becomes a message that someone cares about them.
Why This Matters
There are over 90,000 children in care across the UK and Ireland. One child enters the UK care system every 20 minutes. Many of these young people will move multiple times during their time in care, and each move can be traumatic.
Having proper luggage might seem like a small thing, but it represents something much larger. It says: your belongings matter, your dignity matters, you matter. It gives children something that is theirs, something that travels with them, something that treats them with the respect they deserve.
Supporting Children in Oxfordshire
At Oxfordshire Kindness Wave, we believe in the power of small acts of kindness to make a big difference. The work of organisations like Madlug aligns perfectly with our mission to bring love, hope, comfort and kindness to young people in our community.
If you would like to support this cause, every purchase from Madlug means a bag goes to a child in care. You can also donate directly to the Madlug Foundation or spread the word about their important work.