G.J. Gardner Homes is about to make another huge difference to South Auckland boys without a father in their lives!
On December 5, the G.J. Gardner Homes Papakura Franchise will auction off a spacious new 4-bedroom brick property in the new, family-focused community of Waiata Shores. All profits will go to Big Buddy.
This house is the third charitable auction in as many years; in 2016 work began on Papakura and Hamilton properties. By the end of 2017, the proceeds from those homes saw over $300,000 assist in the set-up of a Hamilton office, an extended reach into South Auckland, and a significant increase in the number of good men stepping up to become Big Buddies overall.
The homes are a product of not just G.J. Gardner Homes’ community spirit, but that of countless suppliers too, many of whom have gifted all their time. Big Buddy CEO Paul Burns is still overwhelmed by what people have been prepared to give.
“It’s been so encouraging to see the spirit in which these houses have been built. A wide range of local suppliers and tradesmen have essentially passed on their own earnings to Big Buddy so we can match more Little Buddies with Big Buddies. I’ve been blown away by the generosity coming out of this project. ”
The man at the centre of this new Waituarua Drive build, Mike O’Meeghan (left), is the same franchisee who brought like-minded builders and suppliers together on the 2017 Papakura home. Many of the current suppliers also supported the cause last time round.
Continuing his support for Big Buddy was always on the cards for O’Meeghan, a man whose franchise has supported several community initiatives, including helping local college kids with funds to support their tertiary study.
“In the building industry you do see young men coming through who haven’t had a father around. I always thought if there were people around to help them earlier on, it would make a huge difference to their adult lives.
“So I actually feel quite proud to stand up and tell our team that while working in the business, we’re also raising money for Big Buddy. For me, this is about giving back and helping others give back. It’s about recognising when people are less privileged in some way than yourself. We can all do something about that. I feel this particularly about South Auckland – the area that my business operates in and can contribute to.”
Giving back is also a foundation of the G.J. Gardner Homes national ethos. Master Franchisor Grant Porteous is thrilled that the Papakura franchise is again stepping up and offering yet another home to one of several charities his business supports.
“Every boy needs a father figure and that’s why it’s been great for us to be involved with Big Buddy in a way that goes further than just financial support.”
THE TEAM AT BIG BUDDY WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU AT THE AUCTION ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, from 5PM!
- Come along to 6 Waituarua Drive, Conifer Grove. Drinks and nibbles provided!
- The solid brick 4-bedroom home sits in the heart of the new Waiata Shores neighbourhood, which will eventually include 500-800 homes. Green space such as playgrounds and parks are a key feature of the area, as well as dining, childcare and a Countdown supermarket. Easy access to the southern motorway and Te Mahia train station will make this a popular area to live.
- Those interested in coming along can read more and register attendance with Eventbrite here.
- Barfoot & Thompson are marketing the property. More details here
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