Best Buddies Canada’s Friendship Program is an initiative that strives to help individuals living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) develop lasting friendships.
The program has 18,000 participants every year from a wide range of ages and backgrounds through 500 chapters across the country. In elementary schools, Best Buddies runs as a biweekly friendship club; in high schools, there are both one-on-one and group activities; and in universities and colleges, chapters are paired with community organizations in addition to one-on-one activities. The Friendship Program provides invaluable support by fostering leadership, life skills, friendship and belonging. Feeling safe and included in school helps support better learning and fosters an inclusive community.
One pair, Delaine and Peter, became buddies during the pandemic. “It has been incredible! I am a music teacher, so Peter and I have been doing piano and singing lessons ever since, and we have made some great progress. I look forward to my time with him every week, and we always have so much fun at our chapter events. I have enjoyed it so much that I have applied for a part time job with Community Living Kingston and District over the summer as a personal support worker to continue my work (and I will also continue volunteering with Peter!). Best Buddies has changed my life and given me incredible opportunities to grow as an individual and with my career as well,” says Delaine.
“My favourite thing to do with Delaine is play piano and sing. I love playing Casper the Friendly Ghost with her and singing Bad by Michael Jackson and Hound Dog by Elvis. I like dancing with Delaine at the Halloween party, we did the moon walk!” adds Peter.
CIBC Foundation is proud to offer our support to Best Buddies Canada’s Friendship Program with a $15,000 grant. This is one way we are helping people living with an IDD achieve their ambitions of forming meaningful connections with their peers, gaining self-confidence, as well as shared interests and experiences.
Learn more about Best Buddies Canada’s Friendship Program Opens in a new window.
