When we talk to families involved in the Big Buddy programme, one thing always stands out: everyone benefits – the Little Buddy, the Big Buddy and Mum. Wellington’s Laura Virgo, Mum to Jonathan, has kindly agreed to share what her son’s relationship with his Big Buddy, Kevin Stevens, means to her. Kevin rings his young …
One of the highlights on the Big Buddy calendar is the annual Car Rally event. This year, as the country went in and out of lockdown, the events were looking precarious at times… But, with much planning and organising from the team and supporters, we were so happy to hold fantastic Big Buddy Car …
When Big Buddy mentoring manager Matt Anderson-Smith searched the charity’s Waikato volunteers to find the perfect match for teen Kei Ellis-Rose, he struck gold. Kaleb Whyte, a crown prosecutor in Hamilton, enjoyed the gym like South African-born Kei, along with food, fitness and running. They also had similar holistic approaches to life, since Kaleb …
“Everyone has 24 hours in a day – how they use that time is completely up to them.” Simple words from an impressive young man – Tahana Tippett, an inspiring Big Buddy within our village. Tahana, who is not yet 30, is a successful and generous young man. He holds an Honours degree in …
Staying connected is a topic on everyone’s minds right now. In the Big Buddy village, we’re giving a lot of thought to how Big and Little Buddies continue to make meaningful connections with each other over the next few weeks. Luckily, our Big Buddies already have a wealth of ideas on how to maintain the …
Still showing up, spending time and coming back…from a distance! Read More »
Times are tough and New Zealand needs your help. You and your Big Buddy are the only available crime-fighting pair available. So it’s time to suit up as one of the world’s most formidable duos! But hang on a minute…you and your Big Buddy don’t have anything to wear! In fact, if your Big Buddy …
Sometimes it pays to simply tell a story as it is. Early this year we received this heartfelt account of Sarah Tizard and son Koria’s journey to finding Big Buddy Wes. Read more about how it has transformed their lives. ‘Koria and Wesley were matched just over a year ago. It has been the best …
Family adversity healed through having a Big Buddy Read More »
FROM THE 2015 ARCHIVES We all remember doing speeches in school, and we all know the best kinds of speeches are the ones about the things we like the most. So, LB Jaden chose to do his speech on his BB, Graeme, and the Big Buddy programme. These are his words: “Hi, today I’m talking …
I always look forward to my visits & outings with Phil. He is more like the big brother I’ve never had and I feel so relaxed with him – we go with the flow about what we do nearly every week. Lately we’ve been doing driving lessons at the Air Force base out north-west Auckland. We …
Kapiti local and mentor Pete Hobbs, 72, is testament to the more recent wave of thinking that suggests one should put the concept of retirement on the backburner and keep on keeping busy. Pete works full time as a painter-decorator and spends a few hours each week mentoring 9 year-old Sean Burkhalter. He says …
Pete’s wisdom of years perfect for mentoring Sean Read More »
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