What a warm summer it’s been. Okay, maybe a little too warm and humid at times but I’m grateful for the long days of sunshine and warmth. Our work at Big Buddy is flourishing in the summer warmth, we are all well back from our holiday breaks and diving into the work. Scott came back to a huge workload in Wellington with 58 guys coming through, that’s over half of all guys coming through nationally! I don’t know what it is, our radio ads hitting the spot or the air in Wellington, but Big Buddy is rocking in the capital. I will be looking for someone to give Scott a hand; I figure that level of response deserves the best we can muster. More positive news from the capital, our good friends from the Wellington based Todd Foundation have accepted Big Buddy into their special partnership fund. We will receive a very healthy annual donation – committed for 5 years. We are well pleased and it is wonderful to work closely with such enlightened funders as the Todd Foundation who live the true spirit of Philanthropy.
Back in Auckland, Vodafone has awarded Ruth Kerr a ‘World of Difference’ Gem award funding 6 months of her time to do media work for Big Buddy. Ruth comes from a deep background in local media and writing. She will be helping to get our stories into the local papers. Our stories inform people about our work and mission so much more than advertising can do. We have been learning to tell our stories by sharing wee snippets on our Facebook page. Here’s a classic – A Little Buddy lost his father just over a year ago. His match has been going great, but he was worried that it might end, and asked his Big Buddy “How long does this go on for?” Big Buddy replied “Until you are 14, or 24, or 74, I’m not going anywhere.” – That kind of laid back but serious commitment gets to me every time. In the sometimes challenging environment we work in, it is little gems like this that keep me going, reminding me how privileged we are to be welcoming in so many fine men willing to simply show up with a loyal faithfulness that changes everything.
And this summer heralds an election year. Its going to be a very interesting election and possibly the most MMP election we have had, with so many possible political combinations. I expect to be surprised when the politicians finally attempt to piece the jigsaw together and say “here’s your government”. Let’s hope it will be a government that never forgets who it serves and why. Let’s hope it’s a government that mirrors the loyalty, unquestioning caring and commitment that our Big Buddies show.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful summer. Go well Friend, Richard
