Sudburys Go the Extra Mile for Our Dreamers

At I Have a Dream, some of the most transformative experiences happen outside the classroom – thanks to the passion and generosity of our Dream Partners.

These incredible businesses and organisations actively help us create opportunities that change lives by offering programme services and manaakitanga (in-kind support) giving Dreamers the chance to build relationships with fellow community members.

According to Fundraising and Partnership Manager, Jodie Hannam, Sudburys exemplifies what it means to be a Dream Partner. From team working bees in the Otangarei Garden Oasis to sponsoring events like the Activ8 Northland 12 Hour Fitness Fundraiser, and participating in the Classic Builders Northland Classic 100, their support is consistent and proactive, and they get their whole team on board to contribute.

“They’re not just supporters, they’re part of the I Have a Dream whānau,” says Jodie.

When they heard we had a trailer but no bikes for our upcoming Te Taiao Mountain Biking Programme, Sudburys created a dedicated Build-a-Bike event.

They called on their client base to sponsor bikes and helmets and ran a team building day where 12 high-quality bikes were assembled and safety-checked by professionals. “It’s incredibly humbling,” says Director Steve Sudbury. “This is real stuff, changing real lives. If you can change even one life, you’re doing well.”

Launching in Term 3, the programme will teach Dreamers bike skills, maintenance, and repair. It will also offer opportunities to earn bike instructor qualifications – opening doors to future employment.

The Te Taiao Mountain Bike programme has also supported by the Whangārei Lions who gifted a bike trailer, Sheppherd Cycles who provided wholesale pricing, and Paihia Mountain Bikes who travelled down to help with safe assembly and expert advice. Thanks to the generosity of these organisations, along with Sudbury’s clients who sponsored a bike and joined in the team building day, I Have a Dream now has 12 brand-new, road-ready bikes and helmets for Dreamers.

Sudburys Director – and keen cyclist – Steve Sudbury spoke to sponsors before the competition kicked off, explaining why I Have a Dream is so closely aligned with Sudburys’ values.

“We get more out of it than the kids – it’s very humbling for us and we’re all delighted to support the work I Have a Dream do.”

Referencing the Northern Advocate’s cover story on Tikipunga High School Head Boy and Year 13 Dreamer, Awatea Poutai, Steve added,

“This is real stuff changing real lives and they do it day in and day out. At the end of the day, if you can change one life, you’re doing well.”

Sudbury’s has previously supported I Have a Dream by rolling up their sleeves for working bees at Te Kura o Otangarei – building garden beds and planting 23 fruit trees – backing events like the Activ8 Northland 12-Hour Fundraiser and rallying a team for the Classic 100.

A big mihi to all the amazing sponsors who made this possible: Fox Mowing & Gardening, Allquip Field Services, Ten4, Regent Training Centre, Duppies Family Trust, Omaka Classic Cars, Waterflow, Dodd Bros Diggers, and of course, the Sudburys team.

A special shout-out to Ten4 apprentices Nate Wihongi and Josh Dawson, who built the first bike in record time, winning Rebel Sport vouchers for their efforts. Marcus Tomlinson from Fox Mowing came a close second, sharing his pride in contributing to our Dreamers, followed by Davie Pryde, owner of Allquip Field Services, in third place.

Finally, a big thanks to PDC Creative for capturing all the special moments of the day with their photography and videography.

Ngā mihi nui to Sudburys and every sponsor for standing with our Dreamers – your awhi truly makes a difference.

Explore the milestones, stories, and impact highlights from the past year in our 2024 Annual Report.