Big and little buddies pay it forward

AUCKLAND, Today: Big Buddy is excited to roll out Buddies Give Back, a new community service initiative responding to Little Buddies’ eagerness to give back to their communities.

This mentorship program connects boys without father figures to Big Buddies, fostering transformative relationships. Now, they’re extending their impact by engaging in community projects.

Big Buddy Co-CEO Steve Sobota highlights the initiative’s full-circle nature, noting, “What we are seeing is that the Little Buddies get so much out of their relationship, that they are looking for ways to give back to the greater community.

“They want to ‘pay it forward’ as a thank you for the support they have received from their Big Buddy. Many are showing interest in helping and supporting others as they grow into young men.

“It’s wonderful to see these boys grow up with a sense of community spirit. Teaching acts of service is one of the things our Big Buddies like to focus on and we are keen to facilitate more projects on an ongoing basis.”

Their first project supports Rotoroa Island Trust’s mission to remain pest-free, providing a practical learning experience for the Little Buddies and aiding the island’s conservation efforts.

“They want to ‘pay it forward’ as a thank you for the support they have received from their Big Buddy.” – Steve Sobota

In collaboration with Mitre10, Big and Little Buddies will build 50 rat trap boxes in an upcoming workshop, with materials provided by Mitre10.

Jules Lloyd-Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at Mitre10, explains their involvement: “With 84 locally owned stores across the country that have deep connections in our communities, getting involved with Big Buddy for this project was an easy decision.

“Through our Mitre10 Helping Hands programme, our stores have contributed to many community-based initiatives, so bringing kids, volunteer mentors and conservation into one project is a great way to give back,” Jules adds.

Explore Group is facilitating the delivery of these boxes to Rotoroa Island, aligning with their ongoing support for the island’s conservation work.

William Goodfellow, Managing Director of Explore Group, emphasises their commitment: “It is our pleasure to help bring the important work of these organisations together.

Having worked alongside Rotoroa Island Trust over the last few years, we are always happy to support the conservation work they are doing restoring the island and re-establishing the native wildlife and we are excited to help share this special place with the boys and their Big Buddies.”

The project culminates in a day of exploration and learning on Rotoroa Island, enriching the Big and Little Buddies’ experience with nature and conservation.

• For more info here bigbuddy.org.nz