Cash boost for boys' buddies programme

Kameron Greenlees, left, and Steve Price spend some quality time with Jacob Owens at Devonport Beach. Photo / Getty Images

Hundreds of fatherless boys will benefit from a boosted mentoring programme.

Jetstar has named Big Buddy as the airline's sixth Flying Start grant recipient. The project will receive $15,000 cash and the same amount in free travel. The Herald on Sunday is Flying Start's media partner.

Mum Emily Owens and her 11-year-old son Jacob said the programme was brilliant. Jacob's father died when Jacob was only 5 weeks old. Now, Jacob and sports-mad Auckland manager Kameron Greenlees are buddies.

"It's quite good seeing as I don't have a father around," Jacob said.

Last Sunday, the buddies watched the Warriors beat the Melbourne Storm 30-22 at Mt Smart Stadium.

Greenlees heard about the programme 15 months ago. "I didn't have any kids of my own and don't really have much family in Auckland so I thought I could donate time."

Big Buddy performs background checks on all applicants, ensures buddies have similar interests and are likely to get along. Mentors spend around three or four hours with their buddies most weekends.

Greenlees said it had helped teach him to be reliable and imaginative. Emily Owens said it was a great example of a volunteering programme. She was glad the programme would offer the mentoring service to more New Zealanders.

Big Buddy chief executive Richard Aston said the grant would make the world of difference to fatherless boys. "The difference it will make to their lives as they grow into the men of tomorrow is immeasurable."

League legend and Jetstar Flying Start judge Steve Price also backed the project. "While mums do a terrific job raising boys on their own, they can't replace a male influence in their son's lives."

Jetstar chief executive David Hall said Big Buddy resonated with the judging panel.

Flying Start has awarded $150,000 in travel and cash to five Kiwi not-for-profit organisations since early last year.