I write this luxuriating in the warmth of the first really sunny spring day. It’s so welcome after that cold wet winter, a winter best forgotten. Economically we are feeling a little warmer after a fairly tough winter. The outlook is more positive and the promise of solid and stable funding is just around the corner. The Flight Centre asked us to be their main charity partner, and we said ‘yes!’, (see separate article). Our good friends at the Todd Foundation have invited us to become part of their new Partnership Funding Initiative that, all going well, will give us some secure funding for the next 5 years. With that and the generous donations that continue to flow in I am feeling optimistic about the future.
Our facebook page continues to grow with many more supporters joining every week and it is turning out to be a great way for us to continually share our stories. All our Coordinators post “notes from the field” up to our facebook page. Here’s an example; “I met an amazing young fella a couple of days ago. His Dad took off 8 years ago and he hasn’t heard from him since, and his Mum was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. In the face of this he is being strong and supporting the family. Kia kaha Little Buddy.” It was followed by this comment, “This is a privilege and honour. May his Big Buddy be everything and no more than who is needed.” To further get our story out there we are currently working with a TV company producing the Unsung Heroes series on TV1 next year. It will feature volunteers from all areas and of course some of our Big and Little Buddies.
This spring Auckland has a new council and we are very pleased to know Penny Hulse, ex Waitakere deputy mayor, not only won a council seat but was chosen to be deputy mayor as well. Penny has been a great supporter of Big Buddy over the years. She is a fine woman with solid community values – we are well pleased for her and for Auckland.
Spring as always brings with it the promise of renewal and growth. We at Big Buddy are ready and willing to embrace that growth with open arms. Bring on summer!
Go well friend, Richard
