What's happening

Dave Letele founded BBM Motivation (BBM) 6 years ago and has his own weight loss story that has been featured on Seven Sharp, One News, and The Project.

Having lost over 100kg himself, through good nutrition and exercise, he now dedicates his time to helping others do the same, by teaching them how to live the BBM lifestyle for their health which is: 1. Just Start, 2. Be consistent, 3. Surround yourself with positive people to help you on your journey and lastly 4. No excuses.

This organisation is new to the Hugh Green Foundation and a bit different from the projects we usually fund.

The guest speaker was David Carrington he was brought to New Zealand to share his knowledge by the good people at Giving Architects. David was kind enough to take some time out of his hectic schedule and share his knowledge on the rise and importance of Impact investing.

Earlier this year, the Hugh Green Foundation board and staff worked with philanthropy advisor Kate Frykberg to more clearly articulate our foundation’s purpose and funding priorities.

Hugh Green Foundation has also been exploring good practice governance in family foundations, again working with philanthropy advisor Kate Frykberg.

As Head of Research Technology at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Kylie Price is a driving force behind the Institute’s cutting-edge research to improve the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. Kylie has worked in the field of cytometry – the quantitative analysis of cells and cell systems – for more than 13 years and has been credited with pioneering the use of multicolour flow cytometry in New Zealand.

The technology suite at the Malaghan Institute provides researchers with cutting-edge tools for investigating how the immune system works. An integral part of that technology – flow cytometry – uses light to characterise particles and cells and organisms.

The Hugh Green Foundation has committed to a three-year partnership with Just Move Charitable Trust also known as “BBM”. BBM is an organisation founded by Dave Letele he is also known to some as the Brown Buttabean. Dave has had an interesting past which is what helped him get to where he is today and to give him the motivation to start up BBM. Dave’s father was in prison for most of his childhood and growing up in Australia, separated from his siblings in New Zealand, Dave was surrounded by violence, crime and gangs. He had a promising league career put was forced to stop due to breaking one too many bones, so he switched to boxing, which gave him amazing opportunities to travel the world and later establish a successful supermarket enterprise.

Their programme is alcohol, drug, gambling and violence free. Word of mouth in the community and within family generates many referrals. Many people arrive with complex needs, feeling overwhelmed and isolated. We assess and address immediate needs, then work with the family to set achievable goals. Individuals are able to learn life skills (e.g. personal care and hygiene, cooking, communication and interpersonal skills) and new coping strategies. Parents are required to attend a parenting programme. ICCT review their benefits to ensure they are getting their entitlements and work with them to increase their knowledge of family finances and budgeting. The individuals also receive training and employment assistance, where appropriate. Island Child Charitable Trust also work with other agencies to successfully re-home whānau and they leave our shelter with a clear focus, connections to reliable social support, and knowing how to access services they may need in the future. Some members leave earlier if suitable housing becomes available. Our Trust is also an active member of the Auckland emergency housing network and national housing associations. Hugh Green Foundation is excited to have the opportunity to partner with island child charitable as their visions align in helping to reduce poverty and addiction, something that Hugh Green was very passionate about.

Danielle founded Island child Charitable Trust with the support of her mother in 2008. The organisation was originally established to benefit families of Pacific Islands. Danielle first started taking families in need into her own home and supporting them until they were successfully rehomed. Danielle lived through this struggle herself, she left hospital with her newborn baby in her arms and nowhere to go. Danielle was homeless for three years travelling up and down the country living in her car.

Welcome to the family!