Bob has been a resident of Arvida Copper Crest in Tauranga for six months now and created and co-founded Kiwi Can back in 1998. The primary school programme has helped hundreds of thousands of 5 to 12 year old children. The programme teaches values such as integrity and respect and much more – helping to build resilience and deliver fun-filled learning to schools all around New Zealand. Bob was recognised for his philanthropic work by Dan Allen-Gordon from the Graeme Dingle Foundation – the organisation that Kiwi Can merged with back in 2005.

“Bob has left a legacy that has significantly impacted children and communities for generations and will do so for generations to come. The programme has to date reached hundreds of thousands of children across Aotearoa. Parents and former Kiwi Can students are always telling us how Kiwi Can was the highlight of their week and how it made such a difference for them to have the things they needed within them to face life’s challenges,” Dan explained.

The all-inclusive 12 month programme involves every child within a school with no cost to the child or family. As he was presented with a Kiwi Can Legacy Award for his philanthropy, Bob says he was humbled by the recognition.

“Kiwi Can was my life and it changed my life and changed a lot of kid’s lives through mentoring, working with schools and communities. Helping young people overcome and thrive.”