From 16-20 November, each purchase of a Mon Ami plush at John Lewis will be matched with a donation to a school Buddy Bench
Premium soft toy brand Mon Ami is joining forces with John Lewis to bring comfort to school Buddy Benches this Anti Bullying Week.
For every Mon Ami purchased in John Lewis stores during Anti Bullying Week, a lovable member of the collection will be donated to sit on the Buddy Bench and comfort children in their moments of need. In addition, primary schools will have access to a suite of exciting resources – from engaging classroom-based tasks built on the theme of friendship to exclusive access to the Mon Ami song, designed to get all children dancing in the playground.
Emma Ellis-Jones, representative of Mon Ami UK, said: “Mon Ami means ‘my friend’, and that’s exactly what we want every child to have when they need one most. Sitting on a Buddy Bench is often a child’s way of saying they’re lonely without having to find the words and it takes real courage.
“This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, ‘break the silence’, really resonated with us. We hope that having a cuddly companion waiting on the bench makes that first step a little easier and sparks the conversations that help children feel they belong. We’re proud to be working with John Lewis to bring a little more kindness to playgrounds across the country this autumn.”
Taking place 16-20 November 2026, Anti Bullying Week was established by the Anti Bullying Alliance in 2004. Sarah Wayman, Director of Anti Bullying Alliance, added: “More than one in five children tell us they’re bullied each year, and too many suffer in silence.Buddy Benches are a simple but powerful way for children to show they need a friend without having to say a word. Initiatives like this help make sure every child who reaches out is met with comfort, kindness and someone ready to listen.”
Mon Ami is a US-based plush toy brand which launched its collection of lovable 60-plus characters in John Lewis this September. From Daphne Dragon’s golden good luck wings to Da Pinchy Lobster’s soft-hearted charm, no two characters are alike, with all underpinned by the themes and friendship and belonging.
