It started with a radio ad — and a feeling that he could do more.
Sometime later Wellington lawyer Ruvin Pattiaratchi has not only become a mentor and friend to his Little Buddy, Caleb, but also helped bring his firm, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, on board to support Big Buddy’s work through pro bono legal services.
Having spent time working in Oranga Tamariki’s child protection litigation team, he’d seen firsthand how easily young people can veer off track without a positive male role model.
“After leaving that role, I heard an ad for Big Buddy and thought, ‘this is my chance to make a difference’,” he says.
Not long after, he was matched with his Little Buddy, Caleb. Their first outing — a trip to the Car Museum in Paraparaumu — proved the perfect start.
“Caleb’s really into cars, so it was a hit. The long drive there and back gave us time to chat and get to know each other,” he says. “I actually asked him recently what his favourite outing has been, and he said that one still ranks in his top three.”
Over the years, their adventures have ranged from Jungle Rama days to Crocodile biking along Wellington’s Oriental Bay — where a windy day had the Big Buddy pushing the bike more than he’d planned.
Beyond the fun, what stands out most is watching Caleb grow. “He’s changed from a really excitable little kid into a polite, well-mannered young man — and he’s almost as tall as me now!”
For this Big Buddy, the small moments have been the most meaningful. “Initially, it was hard to tell if our time together was having an impact on Caleb. But as the months went on, I started seeing signs that I was making a difference. For example, through a thoughtful Christmas card or giving me an Easter egg.
“Over time, I’ve realised that just consistently showing up every weekend is a significant thing on its own for a young person.”
“Becoming a Big Buddy has served as a constant reminder that most people don’t have the same privileges that I have and have had throughout my life. And many people, especially kids, need a little extra help from their community along the way. I’m lucky enough to have the time and commitment to provide some of that help.
Ruvin encourages others to step up. “I would say, if you have the time and means, then absolutely do it. It is a chance to make a lasting change to a boy’s life who needs a positive male role model during their formative years. It also provides an opportunity to become part of a community with other Big Buddies where you can socialise and share your experiences.
That spirit of giving back has now extended beyond his personal time. Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, the law firm where Ruvin is a Senior Associate, has recently partnered with Big Buddy to provide pro bono legal support.
“I thought it would be a great community investment for our firm,” he explains. “I spoke with Big Buddy’s co-CEO and our firm’s Chief Executive, and we got the ball rolling.”
The partnership will see Minter Ellison Rudd Watts offer a set number of pro bono hours, mainly across property and commercial matters — areas that will help strengthen Big Buddy’s operations as it continues to grow its reach.
While another colleague will take the lead on the legal work, he says he’s proud to see his workplace back a cause so close to his heart.
“Big Buddy’s mission really resonates with our values — helping where we can make a tangible difference. For me, it’s been life-changing in more ways than one.”
Want to help?
Big Buddy currently has a shortage of mentors in the Wellington area.
If you have a few hours a week to spare and want to make a real difference, find out more at bigbuddy.org.nz.
