Big Buddy has been matching Big and Little Buddies since the idea began in 1997. As part of the Man Alive counselling organisation, social workers realised that the majority of men on the wrong side of the law had grown up without any father figure.

To help break the cycle of this social problem, Big Buddy was born, and was such a success that it launched as its own charitable trust in 2002.

By mid 2018, they had matched over 800 Big Buddies with Little Buddies to create a feeling of confidence and value in a boy’s life. Just by being there a few hours each week – offering male friendship, guidance, someone to look up to and maybe even kick a ball around with – the benefits of Big Buddy mentoring extend to both buddies and their wider whānau and community.

Go Car Finance got involved when Big Buddy needed more transport options. As part of the careful selection process, boys go for a meet-and-greet with their potential Big Buddy; safe and reliable transport is obviously an important factor.

As Go Car Finance is all about getting Kiwis moving, we knew we could help. We first donated a Toyota Prius in 2018, and followed up in late 2019 with a Toyota Axio.

Currently covering the Auckland, South Auckland, North Shore/Rodney, Waikato and Wellington regions, Big Buddy has plans to expand into Bay of Plenty and Christchurch in 2020 to 2021. If you’re keen to help out or participate, check out their website at www.bigbuddy.org.nz.

For our part, Go Car Finance will be continuing our support in 2020, by supplying new Big Buddy branding for both cars. Watch this space for updates!