What a night! Last Thursday evening, Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland hosted ‘Brushstrokes of Impact’ at Eden Park, and what unfolded was nothing short of magical.

From the moment guests arrived, there was an energy of excitement in the air. Guests got to ushered through Eden Park, walked through the tunnel out onto the field, then back into the changing rooms for an evening of paint, sip, and impact. After hearing a few speeches, our wonderful MC Matilda Green, and artist Andrew Steel supported us through the evening of art and creativity, all in support of youth mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland thanks everybody who came to Eden Park to support the cause, and made their brushstrokes of impact for tamariki in need of mentoring.

Our Program Manager Dayna reflected “It has been incredible to see our community show up to support youth mentoring and be a part of our mahi.”.

Partnerships and Fundraising lead Courtney shares “A special shoutout to everyone who bid on auction items, purchased tickets or tables, and supported our cause in so many ways. Because of you, we can continue to support more tamariki in need of mentoring across Tāmaki Makaurau. We are so grateful.”

There were many highlights of the night. Andrew, our artist, painted two art pieces live to be auctioned off called ”The Moa” and ”Marg”. Guests were drawing each others faces from across the table, guests were drawing Andrew, and some guests unleashed full-blown abstract paintings which were fantastic. But, the true highlight of the evening was the heartfelt kōrero, and seeing a room full of people committed to creating brighter futures for our young people. The evening became a true celebration of community which BBBS is incredibly grateful for.

Throughout the weekend, the support didn’t stop, with the Brushstrokes of Impact Auction bidding continuing online. With many people bidding from home, it showed just how strongly our community believes in the mahi of mentoring. Thanks goes out to everyone who bid on Auction Items, the wonderful businesses who donated them, and the winners who bid the most to win them!

💙 “From all of us at Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland, thank you for joining us for Brushstrokes of Impact.”  – BBBS Auckland

Thank You to BBBS Sponsors & Supporters

This night could not have been possible without the generosity and creativity of BBBS partners:

  • Resene for bringing colour to life and helping us “paint” Brushstrokes of Impact.

  • Eden Park for opening its doors and providing such an iconic stage for our event.

  • Andrew J. Steel for lending his creativity and passion to the event.

  • Matilda for capturing the MC magic in every brushstroke.

And to every guest, artist, donor, and volunteer: thank you. Your presence, generosity, and belief in our cause mean more tamariki across Tāmaki Makaurau will have the chance to be matched with a mentor who can walk alongside them.

Together, we proved that when art, community, and generosity collide, the impact goes far beyond the canvas, it shapes futures.