Over 2 years ago this wonderful story was shared on News hub and it’s one that still continues to make its impact. Big Buddy was launched in New Zealand over 27 years ago, with a simple but powerful mission: to connect boys growing up without a dad with a positive male role model. Since then, nearly 1300 Big and Little Buddies have been matched. Yet, many boys are still waiting for a mentor to show up for them.
Among those life‑changing matches is the story of Isaac and his Big Buddy, Shane.
Losing Everything, So Young
Isaac was just six years old when his world was turned upside down. Within five weeks, he lost both of his parents — his mum suddenly, and his dad to aggressive cancer.
“What I remember of Dad,” Isaac says quietly, “was that he was big, like a bear — but kind. He never yelled.”
After their deaths, Isaac and his older sister came to live with their grandmother, Shirley. As she grieved the sudden loss of her husband as well, Shirley was faced with raising her grandchildren while navigating her own heartbreak.
“It was an incredibly tough time,” she recalls. “Isaac had a lot of fear about what his future would look like — and I worried too. What would happen to him if something happened to me?”
Gentle and introverted, Isaac seemed lost. Shirley knew he needed something — or someone — beyond the family to help him find his footing again.
Not a Father Figure — A Friend
“I wasn’t looking for a replacement father,” Shirley says. “I was looking for a friendship. Someone he could talk to about boy stuff — things he wouldn’t come to Grandma about.”
That’s when Big Buddy entered Isaac’s life.
Shane Brown, a youth mentor, volunteer Big Buddy, was matched with Isaac over 7 years ago. From the start, the connection was natural. The two began meeting weekly, keeping in touch through texts and conversations about anything and everything.
“I’ve seen his confidence grow the most,” Shane says. “He’s always been respectful and kind, but now he’s really sure of himself.”
A Bond That Goes Beyond Mentoring
Their relationship has grown into something deeply meaningful. So much so that Isaac became Shane’s ring bearer when Shane got married.
“I walked down the aisle with the rings,” Isaac says with a grin. “I loved it.”
For Shane, it symbolised something powerful. “It showed this wasn’t just a phase. This Big Buddy match is real — a permanent, positive connection. I felt incredibly privileged to have him there.”
The Power of Showing Up
Isaac is now 15 years old. He says knowing Shane is there makes life easier — especially during tough weeks.
“If you’re struggling, you can just go see your Big Buddy,” he says. “You can talk, have fun, and not feel so alone.”
Shane encourages others to consider volunteering. “If you’ve got an hour or two and want to make a real difference in someone’s life — and feel that change yourself — Big Buddy is the place to be.”
A Future Full of Hope
Watching her grandson thrive fills Shirley with pride — and emotion.
“My son would be standing here with tears in his eyes,” she says. “He would be so incredibly proud of Isaac.”
Isaac now dreams of joining the army one day. And beyond that? He hopes to become a Big Buddy himself.
Because sometimes, all it takes to change a life is one person — showing up, week after week.
Life Since the Interview
A lot has happened since Isaac and Shane first shared their story with Newshub.
Shane has now joined the Big Buddy team as Programme Lead, moving from volunteer mentor to working within the organisation that brought them together — a step that reflects just how deeply Big Buddy has impacted his life.
Isaac has completed high school and continues to grow into a confident young man with clear goals for the future. At the start of 2025, he and Shane completed five nights at Hillary Outdoors through Big Buddy — an experience that challenged them physically, mentally, and strengthened their bond even further.
Isaac is now actively working toward a career in the armed forces, committing himself to both physical and academic training.
And there’s been another big milestone along the way — Shane has become a father himself, bringing an even deeper appreciation for the role mentors and positive male influences play in a young person’s life.
