'Buddy Day' at HBHS

Five 'buddies' have been adopted by the HBHS Junior Leaders group, and have been dressed, named, adorned and cared for by members of each committee throughout the last week. Friday 18 November is the first official 'Buddy Day', organised by Child Matters, to highlight the plight of abused children.

There will be 180 buddies out and about on Buddy Day, one for every 10 substantiated cases of child abuse in the Waikato last year.

Child Matters spokeswoman Rachel McGuire said by pairing up the buddies with politicians, business owners and other high profile members of the community it was hoped the inaugural event would open up more discussion about child abuse.

NIgel Hotham explained that involving the Junior Leaders gave them a platform to discuss issues around responsibility and the care of children, as well as reinforcing the message that it takes a whole community to raise a child well. 

Callum Burkes commented: 'It's actually quite challenging.  I never throught that caring for a child would be so demanding. lt opens your eyes really.  Having the feeling that everyone's keeping an eye on whether or not you are looking after this person properly.  Keeping him safe is hard - I went to the pool before, and I found myself checking that he didn't 'drown' or get damaged.'