I write this embraced by the longed for warmth of the summer sun – what a great summer it’s been so far – I don’t want it to end.
Big Buddy starts this year with different approach to most years – it is a year of consolidation for us – the wild storms of last year’s recession have battered the sails and rigging a little and I figure we need some time to get our waka strengthened for the years to come. This means we will not be opening up any more branches this year, staying steady with the organizational size we have got to, digging in a little to keep our foundations strong.
You’ll forgive me for mashing up my metaphors there but there is nothing worse than stretching one metaphor when two will do.
There is always a chance the grace of providence may choose to land on our boat in the form of a benefactor or as serious government funding. If that happens we, of course, are ready to pull in the main sheet and set sail again and full speed but I need to plan for what I can actually see in front of us – it is what it is. Fortunately we have many fine funders willing to support our work, as it is and we are grateful to have such good support.
At our current size we have plenty to keep us busy and engaged with our work in the world. Many fine men are still regularly stepping up to volunteer their time to mentor fatherless boys and many caregivers are still approaching us for help. We have a wonderful story in the North Shore times this month about a Big Buddy pair who get on wonderfully but I was especially touched by the mention of the boy’s grandmother who passed away three years ago, she asked as her dying wish that her daughter contact Big Buddy to seek a mentor for her grandson. She may be gone now but her wish has been fulfilled and we are much honored to be a small part in that. One of our Little Buddy mothers, Sarah Henderson, is now writing up our stories and that story was one of them. Sarah is a freelance writer – a very good one – and felt she wanted to give something back to Big Buddy and this is her way. Many thanks Sarah, your stories feed our souls so well and we hope they will be appreciated by many others. As Chief Executive I have to spend a fare amount of time and focus on money and the whole business of running an organization of this size which I am happy to do, but what really feeds my soul and motivates me to carry on (especially in the darker hours) is our stories – simple stories of caring, of hope, of the deep human need for relationship and the magic that comes when we connect with each other.
So this year our waka may be sheltering for a while in safe waters but the heart of our work is alive, thriving and continues to flourish – as it will do for years to come. To all the fine men who volunteer with us goes my deep respect. To the many fine men yet to come goes my warm brotherly welcome. To the caregivers with us goes my gratitude for their trust in us. To the many boys with us now and those yet to come goes my grandfatherly love.
Go well friend
