Best Buddies

By Brian Smith

Through the Philia website we were contacted by a Program Director for Best Buddies Canada. As she describes it, "Best Buddies Canada [is] a national charitable organization dedicated to enhancing our communities through one to one friendships between individuals with intellectual disabilities and students."

It looks as though this is one of those examples of how belonging is being nurtured. Here's a story from their website:

Beth and Heather

Beth and I have been friends for almost 2 years now, and we love spending time together! We always laugh, sing and dance when we are together.
In the fall, Beth and I went to Toronto with my Mom and another friend for a "Girls Day Out" to see The Lion King. We had such a great afternoon, and Beth got to stay in Milton at my parents house with me.

We also went to Cambridge to see a production of "Grease" with some of Beth's friends. It was a fun evening!

Last year Beth and I used to swim a lot together (Beth swims with K-W Special Olympics). I don't swim anymore with Beth, but we still get together afterwards for our pizza, movies and nail painting. Eating pizza on Fridays has become a ritual to us!

We have also gone out for dinners, including Swiss Chalet - our favourite - and out for movies. We both enjoy crafts, looking at pictures, and talking about boys.

Although we are both busy (Beth has THREE jobs!!!) we always find time to talk on the phone and hang out!

We are hoping to go to a local dance club one night soon to dance the night away!

Love always,

Beth and Heather
Best Buddies WLU