Bowater Hyundai helping Big Brothers Big Sisters soar and succeed
(BBBS) is an organisation making a “big” difference in children and young people’s lives, creating lasting bonds and providing access to opportunities that every child should have, through mentoring.
BBBS has a very necessary mission: to help children and youth realise their potential, build their futures,
and strengthen communities. They believe that every child deserves to “soar and succeed”.
Bowater Hyundai is a cornerstone sponsor and supports Big Brothers Big Sisters because they believe in the values of mentoring and contributing to the community.
There has been no looking back since the first match was made in 1998, says programme director Chelsea Routhan, BBBS Nelson.
“Nelson has a strong reputation for volunteering and this is very much evident in the 180 young people
each currently matched with a mentor. Collectively BBBS Nelson mentors last year volunteered 12,850 hours; that’s a massive contribution to the community.”
Research backs up the outcomes from BBBS – mentoring changes the trajectory of young lives, with mentored kids more likely to do better at school and avoid risky behaviours.
“The relationships formed through BBBS are intended to help inspire the children involved and make them see they have choices. The positive outcomes cause a ripple effect through the whole community"
“As a community-funded organisation that exists through the generosity, support and partnership of like-minded people, we are very grateful for the support of Bowater Hyundai for providing us a vehicle to get around the region. This has been especially invaluable as we are growing in the Motueka region where we have 20 young people matched with a mentor. It is with this type of support we can start to match more children in the Nelson-Tasman region.”
“Imagine if every child was able to fulfil their potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters reaches the young people who need extra support from a caring adult.”