South Auckland is set to receive a much-needed boost.
G.J. Gardner Homes’ latest Charity Build for Big Buddy is now complete and ready for viewing, with gross profits of the sale going directly to Big Buddy Mentoring Trust to help more boys without dads in their lives find a mentor.
The four-bedroom home is located at 9 Suffolk Down Road, Karaka – an area in need of many more Big Buddies. The house listing is now live and will go to auction on-site Sunday, 9 November at 4:30pm, with a complimentary coffee cart and sausage sizzle running from 1pm to 4pm.
View the home listing here: 9 Suffolk Down Road, Karaka, – Home For Sale • Ray White New Zealand
South Auckland is currently one of our biggest areas of need with 8 boys waiting to be matched with a Big Buddy, Auckland wide 47 boys are waiting for a mentor.
Long lasting legacy
This is the fifth G.J. Gardner Homes Charity Build supporting Big Buddy – a remarkable legacy of giving that continues to change lives.
Part of what motivated O’Meeghan and his team to support Big Buddy was seeing a number of young men coming through the building industry who had grown up without a father around.
“We were inspired to be part of making a difference in boys’ lives early on, through Big Buddy. I am very proud of what we have achieved and so very grateful to all the people who came together to help support us. Together, we made a great team,” he says.
G.J. Gardner Homes Papakura’s most recent build for Big Buddy, completed late 2023 in Clarks Beach, raised close to an incredible $100,000 for Big Buddy, bringing the total raised for Big Buddy over time to a massive $400,000.
Among those who have been following the latest build closely are Big Buddy Markus and his 12-year-old Little Buddy Logan (photographed below) from Papakura. They enjoyed attending the traditional first concrete pour on site back in June.
Markus, a carpenter, says he and Logan have bonded over shared ‘hands-on’ projects.
“We built a ramp for his skateboard and enjoy doing projects together. Next, we’re planning to build a cabinet,” Markus says. “I like keeping Logan busy and off a computer. He’s even started talking about maybe working in this area when he grows up. Time will tell, but for now, it keeps him motivated and learning.”
Stories like Markus and Logan’s show exactly what Big Buddy is all about – the power of simple, consistent connections that help boys grow in confidence, resilience, and belonging.
It’s these relationships that G.J. Gardner Homes’ charity builds helps make possible. Each home sold directly funds more matches like theirs, ensuring more boys without dads can find the steady support of a mentor.
Big Buddy Co-CEO Christie Stuart says,
“The money raised will be vital to support the need in our South Auckland community and across the motu, recruiting and screening more volunteer mentors and bringing together more Big and Little Buddies.”
“We would like to thank G.J. Gardner Homes Papakura for this particular build for stepping up yet again to help Big Buddy. We are also so grateful to all the people behind the scenes, Ray White, Karaka and all the suppliers and trades people who have given their own personal time and helped with discounts and donated resources. Their passion and belief in our mahi is incredibly appreciated.”
Open Homes will be held every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 1:00pm to 1:45pm, beginning Saturday 18 October, running right up until auction day. Attendees at the open homes or auction will have the chance to enter a draw for one of two $100 Prezzy Card vouchers, generously donated by Carters Building Supplies.
“As part of the Karaka community, we’re honoured to support Big Buddy’s mission -helping every boy grow with strength, guidance, and love.” – Ray White Karaka
Local Supporters involved in the project
- Podflor – (slab)
- Albycon (site/earth works)
- Affordable Scaffolding
- Aspect Roofing
- Carters – (frame and truss)
- Universal Bricklayers ltd
- Indoorz (doors)
- Assa Abloy – (discounted all door hardware)
- GoFox (electrical works)
- Vision Windows (joinery)
- Plumbcraft (plumbing and drainage works)
- Plumbing World (plumbing tapware etc)
- Proclad exteriors (Linea facade)
- Newtech (vanities and mirrors)
- Grand Interiors, (kitchen and laundry)
- Tile Depot (tiles)
- Express Tiling (tiling work)
- Fisher & Paykel (kitchen appliances including new fridge plus washing machine and dryer)
- Horizon (painting work)
- Space (landscaping)
- Carpet Court (flooring)
- Showerwell (shower screens and wire shelving)
- The Designers Table (interior design)
- Gorgeous Homes (home staging)
GJ Gardner Foundation Partner
GJ Gardner have been supporting Big Buddy since 2016, find out more about this long standing history – Big Buddy Foundation Partner – GJ Gardner Home
