Best Buddies

Best Buddies - Vrais Copains Canada is a national charitable organization that fosters friendships between people with intellectual disabilities and university and college students. In today's society, individuals with intellectual disabilities are often isolated and do not always have the opportunity to participate in activities that the majority of citizens enjoy. This exclusion can lead to loneliness and low self-esteem. A Best Buddies friendship helps to break down the barriers to inclusion and provides opportunity to shared experiences, laughter and support. Since contact between students and persons with intellectual disabilities seldom happens spontaneously, Best Buddies facilitates social contact by organizing group activities on campuses, as well as, by pairing individuals on a one-on-one basis. Our program provides opportunities for all participants. Not only do the adults with intellectual disabilities gain new experiences, but students also gain an invaluable friendship. They are given the opportunity to contribute to both their campus and surrounding communities.
Best Buddies - Vrais Copains Canada hopes that the volunteers' involvement with this program will strength the students' empathy and understanding of the ability of adults with intellectual disabilities, to hold a job, fall in love, be independent, and most of all, be a responsible and compassionate friend. For more information on how to become involved in a Best Buddies Chapter in your area, please refer to the web site.

Contact Information:

Best Buddies - Vrais Copains Canada 2333 Dundas St. W., Suite 210 Toronto, Ontario M6S 1S9 Telephone: (416) 531-0003 Toll Free: (888) 779-0061 Fax: (416) 531-0325 E-mail: info@bestbuddies.ca Web site: www.bestbuddies.ca Executive Director: Carol Martin Program Director: Shelley Rolland