We’re proud and grateful to have been chosen as one of the beneficiary charities of the Men’s Health & Wellness Fundraiser Dinner, held on Tuesday 17 June at the Milford Cruising Club in Auckland.
This inspiring fundraising event was made possible by the vision and dedication of local community champion Natasha MacLeod.
Local Champion Making a Difference
Over the past few years Natasha, a North Shore local, has successfully run Women’s Fundraising events supporting two other fantastic charities Littlemore and Woven Earth. Natasha takes on these events with the support of her family, with her Husband, and both children giving their time. She personally rallies her local community, sources sponsorship, speakers, donations of auction items and supplies to help the charities that she feels makes an impact in her community.
In 2025, Natasha hosted her first ever men’s event – and it sold out quickly, showing how much of an appetite there is for men to connect, share and support causes that matter.
The event raised funds for two NZ based local charities:
The Last Chance Project – raising awareness and support for men’s mental health and Big Buddy Mentoring Trust – supporting boys without fathers through life-changing mentoring relationships.
A Night of Inspiring Stories and Men’s Mental Health Awareness
More than 120 guests gathered to hear from an incredible lineup of speakers, including:
- Brian “Bluey” McClennan, former Kiwis Coach, who spoke on resilience, mindset and perspective and shared his favourite quote: “You’ve got to love winning, more than you hate losing.”
- Erin O’Hara, Naturopath, who gave practical advice on men’s health and wellbeing.
- Stefan Ozich, who famously ran the length of New Zealand TWICE for men’s mental health, raising funds for The Last Chance Project
- And our very own Steve Sobota, Co-CEO of Big Buddy, who highlighted the powerful ripple effects of mentoring for both boys and men.
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Community Generosity in Action
Guests enjoyed a warm and enjoyable evening complete with a welcome Peroni from Asahi Beverages, catering by Joe’s Catering, and a lively auction led by Martin Cooper of Harcourts Cooper & Co. Auction highlights included a bespoke chair by SJK Interiors and even a vasectomy from The Cooper Clinic.
Thank you to the amazing local businesses that supported this event by way of sponsorship or donations to the fundraising auctions….. an amazing $14,100 was raised for Big Buddy and the Last Chance Project.
Special thanks to the following businesses for their contributions:
Well Hung, Pacific Padel , Kiwivelo, Superette Mens, Colab Brewing, Emerald Inn On Takapuna Beach, The Cooper Clinic, Cousin Scott’s, Federation., SJK Upholstered Interiors, Shuriken Nz, Fantail & Turtle, North Shore Golf Club and Amy Ryan Photography for capturing the evening.
Ngā mihi nui to Natasha, you are an incredible individual. We are in awe of the mahi and aroha you share. Thank you for being brave and hosting your first Men’s event, we’re so grateful for your support and belief in our kaupapa.
We are already looking forward to next year!
Click on the images to enlarge.
