For Sharon, supporting Big Buddy wasn’t simply a funding decision. It was something that had been sitting on her heart for years.
As a representative of the Big Toe Foundation, Sharon has seen firsthand the impact that positive mentoring can have on boys, young men, and their whānau. Through the Foundation’s support, Big Toe has helped fund both Big Buddy’s One-to-One Mentoring Programme and its Group Programme for teenage boys, helping more young people access the guidance and connection they need.
A Cause That Stayed With Her
“Many years ago, I heard someone talking about Big Buddy, and I just felt quite emotional,” Sharon recalls. “It just sat there for many, many years.”
When the opportunity arose through the Big Toe Foundation to select a charity partner, her thoughts immediately returned to Big Buddy.
“I was asked for a charity to support, and Big Buddy was the one that came to mind.”
That decision has since grown into a meaningful partnership focused on strengthening outcomes for boys who are growing up without a consistent father figure in their lives.
Big Buddy matches boys aged 7 to 13 with carefully screened volunteer mentors through its One-to-One programme, while its Group Programme supports teenage boys aged 14 to 17 through structured mentoring, outdoor experiences, and personal development opportunities.
Witnessing Transformation Firsthand
One of Sharon’s most memorable experiences came when she attended the hui at the conclusion of a Big Buddy Group Programme.
“It was very, very emotional to see just how the boys came back and saw their family, and the change that had happened in them,” she says.
For many young people, the programme provides a space to build confidence, develop self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and connect with positive role models. By the end of the journey, the growth can be profound, not only for the boys themselves but also for the families who support them.
Seeing that transformation up close reinforced Sharon’s belief that investing in young people creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the individual.
Supporting Boys, Strengthening Families
When asked what she values most about Big Buddy, Sharon doesn’t focus solely on the boys.
“The highlight of partnering with Big Buddy is seeing the impact we can have for mothers with sons who are trying to find support for their son.”
While the mentoring relationship sits at the centre of the programme, its effects are often felt throughout the entire family. Mothers, caregivers, siblings, and extended whānau all benefit when a young person gains confidence, resilience, and connection.
Big Buddy itself recognises that its work supports not only the boys involved but also the families raising them, helping create stronger support networks and healthier communities.
About the Big Toe Foundation
The Big Toe Foundation is a charitable organisation committed to supporting people and organisations that make a positive difference in their communities. Through its philanthropic initiatives, the Foundation helps charities, churches, social enterprises, and community groups access opportunities for rest, connection, and development, while also providing financial support to organisations creating meaningful social impact.
Its partnership with Big Buddy reflects a shared belief that investing in people, particularly young people, can create lasting positive change for families and communities.
A Message to Other Organisations
Sharon has a simple message for other organisations considering supporting Big Buddy.
“I think Big Buddy is an amazing programme.”
“It supports so many people, not just the Little Buddies and their mums. It encompasses the whole family. It’s almost like a community.”
Through the generosity of partners like the Big Toe Foundation, more boys can be matched with mentors, more teenage boys can participate in group programmes, and more families can access the support they need.
As Sharon has seen firsthand, the impact can be life-changing.
“It’s just an amazing programme.”
