At Big Buddy, we witness firsthand the profound impact that Big Buddies have on the lives of boys growing up without a dad. Recently, we received a letter from a grateful mum whose son has been matched with his Big Buddy for nearly 2 years. Her words are truely touching and serve as a humbling reminder of the life-changing difference that a good men can have when they volunteer to support and guide these young boys.
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the involvement of Big Buddy in my son’s life. The support that Big Buddy has offered over the years has truly been a rock for him, especially during the tough times he faced in recent times.
My son has weekly interactions with his Big Buddy. He looks forward to early morning gym sessions before school and enjoys spending weekends fishing or helping with various tasks, gaining practical life skills. Thanks to the unwavering support shown to my son, he can escape the harsh reality that many boys face when they have a father who is unable or unwilling to positively engage in their lives.
My son was also selected to attend a 5-day camp at Tongariro, hosted by Big Buddy and sponsored by Hilary Outdoor Centre during the school holidays last year. There, he met 16 other boys who also have Big Buddy mentors. This experience boosted his confidence and seeing other boys supported by their Big Buddies provided comfort and normalcy for him, getting to meet and spend time with other boys in similar positions was a great experience and allowed him to see that his situation is not unique. He was also exposed to new experiences he wouldn’t typically have. Additionally, the 5-day break was a much-needed rest for me!The unwavering support of his Big Buddy who genuinely cares about him has been a tremendous relief for both my son and I. The positive impact that Big Buddy has had on his life is immeasurable, and I am deeply thankful for your organisation’s commitment to providing such meaningful support.
Thank you once again for all that you do. Your dedication and compassion are making a significant difference in my son’s life.
Little Buddy Mum
Right now there are around 8,000 boys in New Zealand without fathers in their lives. These boys are navigating the challenges of life without the steady hand of a father to guide them.
With your help, Big Buddy can continue to match young boys with good men to offer friendship, support and a good male role model to look up to.
With 130 young boys currently on our waitlist, your support today is needed more than ever.
Your donation will help build confidence and resilience in the lives of boys whose fathers are not around.