This year’s conference theme, “Wickedly Inclusive,” infused the weekend with bold, magical energy celebrating leadership, connection, and the power of inclusive communities. The conference celebrated the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD have made in the world as a result of their leadership. Attendees received lessons from global leaders in the disability rights movement; watched inspiring performances; witnessed moving testimonies; and attended compelling and empowering leadership sessions.

Best Buddies International is a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies in Canada, which has over 20,000 participants, was started in 1994. Best Buddies in Canada currently operates 462 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.

The conference featured an exciting lineup of special guests who shared their talent, stories, and commitment to inclusion:

• Abbie Stockard – Miss America 2025
• Kinley Shoemaker – Miss Indiana 2025
• Tanner Smith – Reality star from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum
• Garin Flowers – TV host & former Bachelorette contestant
• Echo Picone – Singer, Actress and Social Media Influencer
• Riki Stevens – Singer and Actress
• Marlana Vanhoose – Acclaimed musician and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
• Lisa Smith – Renowned sign language performer and Best Buddies Global Ambassador
• David Burnham – Broadway performer and advocate
• Richard Goodall – America’s Got Talent Season 19 winner (2024)
• Billy Blanks, Jr. – Fitness expert and wellness influencer
• Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders
• Cirque Indiana

Highlights from the “Wickedly Inclusive” Weekend

Attendees experienced a weekend packed with powerful moments, including:

• Opening Ceremonies – A high-energy Friday night kickoff with live performances and motivational speakers.
• Workshops & Trainings – Hands-on sessions focused on leadership, advocacy, fundraising, and creating inclusive communities.
• The Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Held Saturday night at Assembly Hall, where participants walked in unity for inclusion.
• Keynote Addresses – Delivered by global disability advocates and Best Buddies Ambassadors who inspired with their messages of resilience and leadership.
• Networking Opportunities – Students and leaders from around the world connected, shared ideas, and built lasting friendships.
• The Wickedly Inclusive Dance Party – A joyful and welcoming celebration where everyone hit the dance floor.

The Best Buddies Leadership Conference inspired and energized the students and volunteers as they witnessed the positive changes being made across the globe and the ways their friendships have changed lives. Conference attendees left more motivated to make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD. The event was live streamed, showcasing the amazing performances, speakers, and education sessions that took place this year.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL: 

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,800 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 43 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 1.5 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.  

The post BEST BUDDIES IN CANADA HONORED AS THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 BEST BUDDIES LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IN BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA appeared first on Best Buddies Canada.

Shaian was drawn to her new friend’s energy as soon as they met. “She’s nice, confident, and amazing,” she says sincerely.

“She was very friendly to me,” Tasneem recalls. “We would listen to Shaian’s favourite songs, and she shared with me her passion for being a singer.”

They quickly bonded over their shared interests and became inseparable, doing activities together like playing Jenga, dancing, doing puzzles, colouring, reading, and singing. Tie dying socks with other students and attending Best Buddies Canada and Humber FLAS’ Reach for the Stars event are highlights from their time in Best Buddies. “That was a lot of fun,” Shaian says. “Everyone participated and it was such a good time.”

As their friendship strengthened, Tasneem noticed that Shaian grew even more confident and communicative. “Every time we see each other, she says hi to me right away,” she says. “We’ve grown a really good friendship.”

Shaian lights up when she talks about Tasneem, who is always there to help her at school. “She’s amazing, loving, and caring.”

The Best Buddies program provides opportunities for students like Tasneem and Shaian – who may not spend time together in a typical classroom setting – to form connections. For Tasneem, the best part of Best Buddies is making these connections. “Best Buddies is such a special part of my school life,” she says. “Students outside of Best Buddies get to interact with the RISE kids and it helps them become more open, more understanding. When everyone participates in school-wide activities, it brings us all together.”

Tasneem’s friendship with Shaian has also helped her pursue her own goals. “She’s inspired me,” she says. “Her confidence has helped me build my own. I want to be a teacher, and getting to know Shaian made me sure about that.”

Tasneem and Shaian’s story is a powerful reminder that true friendship is about being present, cheering each other on, and growing side by side. Whether they’re singing Rihanna’s Work (Shaian’s favourite song), colouring together, or just sharing a laugh, their bond shines brightly. Through Best Buddies, they have built a connection that is sure to last well beyond their school years.  

The post Best Buddies Story Spotlight: Tasneem and Shaian appeared first on Best Buddies Canada.

Mehak Ahluwalia first joined the Best Buddies chapter at Brampton Centennial Secondary School in Grade 10 after hearing about the program from a friend. Drawn to the opportunity to connect with others and develop new relationships, she knew the program would be a good fit for her.

“I’ve always liked working with people,” she says. “I’ve always been part of a team. So when I heard Best Buddies gives opportunities to work with other students and help them feel more included, I wanted to join right away.”

When she was introduced to Jayden Gordon, a student in Brampton Centennial’s RISE program, she noticed he was very quiet, smiling but not talking much. “If I tried to ask him questions, he would answer with a nod instead of words, and he was usually on his iPad playing games,” Mehak says. “But over the last three years, I feel like he’s overcome that. He’s been able to open up with me.”

Their friendship grew slowly, steadily, and meaningfully. They connected through playing games like Uno and Trouble. Jayden also began to open up, telling Mehak about his favourite music artists and his dreams for the future. “Playing games with Mehak,” Jayden says when asked what his favourite part of Best Buddies is. “She helps me a lot – at school, with art, and she cares for me.”

Their shared memories extend beyond the classroom walls, from bowling trips to playing in the gym. Jayden loves sports, so they spend hours playing Just Dance, basketball, or volleyball. They even stay in touch through social media.

Brampton Centennial’s chapter strives to involve the greater community through school-wide activities like pizza sales, events in the gym, and movie nights, and Mehak has seen the ripple effects. She notices that even quieter students, like Jayden, feel encouraged and comfortable enough to open up to their peers. “The program creates these unique opportunities different from regular class time where students can be themselves, connect with new people, and grow,” she explains. “It’s inclusive for the whole school, not just those in the program.”

While Best Buddies has significantly impacted the Brampton Centennial community, it’s made an even deeper mark on Mehak and Jayden. For Mehak, her friendship with Jayden has helped her grow personally. “At first, Jayden didn’t talk much, so I had to give him time. I didn’t try to force a friendship or rush things. I just waited, and little by little, he opened up,” she says. “I’ve learned not to judge or expect things right away. I think I’ve become a better person – more understanding, more adaptable.”

Jayden, for his part, has made strides in his communication with Mehak and truly appreciates the deep bond they share. “She’s fun and funny. She helps me with art and writing,” he says. “I grew up in Best Buddies.”

Growth, trust, and friendship are at the heart of Mehak and Jayden’s story. Through Best Buddies, they have not only enriched each other’s lives and grown as individuals, they have also spread inclusion through their school community. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of friendship and inclusion.

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The Board is composed of a diverse group of leaders from both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, all of whom are deeply committed to our mission. They are united in their goal to set a high standard of governance while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Jennifer Appleby, Executive Director, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome our new Board of Directors who will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of building lasting friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social mentoring, and enhancing the quality of life and inclusion for all.”

Our board members are passionate advocates and ambassadors for Best Buddies Canada. They are actively involved in securing the necessary financial resources and partnerships to ensure the success of our operational and strategic goals.

Please join us in welcoming our 2025 Board of Directors:

Joanne Fletcher – Board Chair

Martine Becker – Board Chair

Chris Marsh – Treasurer

Emily Ben-Haim – Member

Matthew Deforest – Member

Rana Florida – Member

New Board Members:

Maha Masood – Member

Jacob Weinstock – Member

Michael O’Sullivan – Member

Chris Waterston – Member

Robert Eckford – Member

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Ryan’s introduction to inclusive programming began long before he attended university. Growing up, he attended a summer camp in Haliburton with a program called Reach for the Rainbow that offered integrated recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“I was infatuated with the program and made it my goal to work for them,” Ryan shares. He spent two summers supporting clients with diverse intellectual and physical disabilities and took this passion for volunteering with him to university. It didn’t take long for him to find and join the Queen’s Best Buddies chapter. As the largest chapter in Canada, Queen’s stands out for its well-established community relations and leadership opportunities. He started as a volunteer peer buddy but by his second semester, Ryan joined the executive team as a Volunteer Coordinator and later served for two years as Co-President. 

“I’m very grateful that I was able to join the executive team so early. It gave me a community at Queen’s when I was looking for one,” Ryan explains. “It set me up to take on more and more responsibilities for the chapter as the years went on.”

In his role, Ryan not only fostered connections between volunteers and buddies but also maintained a close friendship with his own buddy, Taylor. Ryan and Taylor bonded playing basketball and other sports on campus. “The first few times I met him were quite daunting because I had such an expectation on myself,” Ryan admits. “But ultimately when we had spent so long together, I got to know him as a very funny, intelligent person who cared deeply about me.”

Over time, Ryan and Taylor became more comfortable and grew to be close friends. They would go to the arcade, play frisbee, and go bowling. “I tried to limit the amount of bowling we did because it was an embarrassing experience for me,” Ryan laughs. “He was insanely good at bowling.” They developed a meaningful connection that continues to this day.

The Covid-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for the Queen’s chapter, limiting their ability to host in-person events and exacerbating levels of isolation and loneliness for participants. Despite the difficulties, Ryan and the team adapted, hosting virtual chapter events and finding creative ways to stay connected. Ryan and Taylor would regularly talk on the phone and watch movies together over FaceTime.

“A lot of buddies struggled to have the connections that they were having before the pandemic and that was hard feeling responsible for that,” Ryan says. “The pandemic was tricky, but hopping on the computer to watch a movie with Taylor and hear him laughing was always a huge source of comfort and much needed happiness for me in those times.”

Although maintaining inclusivity during this time was difficult, the eventual return to in-person events felt extra rewarding. The chapter felt the benefit of community and friendship much more tangibly after having been on a break for so long. For Ryan, Best Buddies became more than just a club—it was a transformative experience that informed his decision to pursue social work. While he initially thought of social work and volunteering with Best Buddies as a service he could provide, he quickly understood that he gained as much as he gave – growth, friendship, and a sense of community. “Best Buddies changed my understanding of everything. It showed me the importance of compassion and reciprocity in everything I do,” Ryan shares. “I gained a friendship – it’s a two-way street.”

Ryan’s advice to any peers trying to get a new chapter up and running is to rely on community partners as resources. Queen’s developed close partnerships with their Host Sites, Ongwanada Resource Centre and Community Living Kingston, who provided helpful oversight in one-to-one pairings and general chapter affairs. It’s also helpful to find a core group of student volunteers interested in being on the executive team for multiple years. And for anyone considering joining Best Buddies? He hopes they take the leap. “If you have even a little bit of interest, you’re likely a good fit,” he says. “It’s a sign you’re heading towards the right place. It’s a commitment, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”

Even now that Ryan’s journey as a student volunteer with Best Buddies has concluded, he takes the organization with him wherever he goes…literally. He’s happy to show off the Keith Haring tattoo on his arm. He had it done in his second year at Queen’s as a permanent reminder of his ongoing commitment to inclusion, passion for social work, and the incredible experience he shared with Best Buddies.

As Ryan reflects on his time with Best Buddies, he feels grateful for the friendships and experiences that defined his university years. “I’m very appreciative of the Best Buddies Canada community,” he says. “A big word of congratulations and thank you to all the other chapters across Canada. I miss Best Buddies very dearly and I’m proud to hear it’s still thriving.”

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Jessica, a young adult living with Down syndrome, was first introduced to Best Buddies as a student at Heydon Park Secondary School, a small all-girls school in the heart of Toronto. Encouraged by her teacher, Lily Cheng, she joined the program, where she formed strong friendships and discovered a passion for leadership and advocacy.

Lauren’s journey with Best Buddies also began in high school at St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic High School in Vaughan. Although she initially observed from the sidelines, a classroom visit from Best Buddies participants piqued her interest. She quickly fell in love with the program and became deeply involved in her school’s chapter.

The girls’ paths first crossed in post-secondary at the University of Guelph-Humber (Humber College) when they realized there wasn’t an active Best Buddies chapter at their school. They each independently reached out to Best Buddies Canada to inquire about rebuilding the program as Chapter Presidents. Their first meeting at a campus Starbucks set the tone for a deep and enduring friendship. “We had so much in common from the start,” Jessica recalls. “I met a lot of new friends at Best Buddies in high school, so I was excited to meet a new friend.”

Their friendship quickly blossomed. Some of their favourite activities to do together include going to the movies, long walks at the beach, dancing, hosting Instagram Lives, and playing board games. As Chapter Presidents, they hosted group events and outings with their chapter, even going to a Blue Jays game and attending a private screening of the movie “Champions”. Jessica’s creativity shines through in her greeting cards, which she sells at local businesses, and her performances in DramaWay showcases, which Lauren enthusiastically supports. “Jessica is an incredible actress and performer,” Lauren says. “She’s extremely confident and I love that. She even danced in our chapter’s talent show! It’s been fantastic to see her flourish and grow each year.”

Their efforts helped the Guelph-Humber chapter grow and positively impacted the broader school community. For many students, it was their first time engaging with individuals with disabilities. “The Best Buddies chapter on campus sparked that curiosity, created those positive experiences,” Lauren explains. She, too, felt inspired by her experience with the chapter and her friendship with Jessica. “Jessica being present and showing everyone she’s a leader is proving everyone wrong. Jessica’s confidence inspired other people to get involved.”

After graduating, Jessica and Lauren stayed involved with Best Buddies Canada. They took on leadership roles as Best Buddies International Ambassadors, representing Canada through Best Buddies’ global platform. Their responsibilities include attending monthly development seminars with other global ambassadors and participating in local conferences. They even attended the 2023 Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Indiana and plan to attend the 2024 conference later this month. Lauren believes that working with other global ambassadors has sparked more conversation around accessibility, friendship, and acceptance and inspired other people in the community to be involved.

Throughout their friendship and journey with Best Buddies, Jessica and Lauren have supported each other through challenges and celebrated each other’s accomplishments. Lauren helps Jessica further her advocacy work. At the International Leadership conference, when Lauren felt overwhelmed by the large crowds, Jessica was by her side to make sure she was okay. “We look out for each other,” Lauren says. “We’ve really matured because we’ve gone through so many highs and lows together.”

Reflecting on their many years together, Jessica and Lauren find it hard to choose just one favourite memory. “From all the fun we’ve had, memories we’ve made, opportunities to grow as leaders – everything has had a positive impact,” Lauren says. “Best Buddies offers so much to participants who want to get involved. Take that leap of faith because you don’t know until you try.”

“Best Buddies helped me become a brave, confident young woman,” Jessica says. “Being co-president at Guelph-Humber helped me help others apply for leadership positions.” Looking ahead, Jessica hopes to continue developing her leadership skills and plans to pursue her goals of living independently and returning to school. Lauren aspires to become a psychotherapist and promote understanding and acceptance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Being involved in Best Buddies led Jessica and Lauren to discover a true, lifelong friend, a worldwide community, and a passion for advocacy. Jessica hopes that anyone considering participating in Best Buddies takes her advice: “Just be you and don’t be afraid to meet new people.”

Jessica’s Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Greeting Cards

Lauren’s Instagram 

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Cy was first introduced to Best Buddies by a friend who was involved in running the chapter. After attending his first Best Buddies meeting at lunch, Cy quickly developed a routine of spending every Friday lunch with one of the school’s Life Skills students, James. “I met James that first day and we started to click from there,” he explains. “We started talking and hanging out and quickly became friends.”

James is a tenth-grade student living with an intellectual and developmental disability. Although he and Cy knew each other in passing from football practice, they hadn’t had the opportunity to foster a connection until spending time together in Best Buddies. Week after week, the pair spent their lunches together playing card games, participating in sports, or going to the weight room. Their friendship quickly strengthened, and they began spending time together outside of Best Buddies. Cy even introduced James to his group of friends. “We all talk to one another,” Cy says. “Everyone knows James now. He’s friends with so many different people. He never treats anyone bad; he’s nice to everyone.”

“The whole school knows me!” James adds. “I’m not afraid to hang out with other people now. The students are always nice and playful.”

Not only has Best Buddies helped James develop confidence and social skills, but it’s also fostered a spirit of inclusion within the school community. James and Cy regularly fundraise and spread awareness for Best Buddies by selling freezies and popcorn at lunches. As a chapter, they have attended a Life Skills dance and prom, bocce ball tournaments, and theatre productions. They’ve noticed that mainstream students and Life Skills students feel more integrated. The Life Skills classroom has had more and more mainstream students coming in to mingle, which wasn’t the case prior to Best Buddies. “It’s not like the Life Skills students are on their own and the other students are on their own,” Cy explains. “We’re all together in one big community. Programs like Best Buddies are important to make sure everyone in the community is included.”

Participating in Best Buddies has benefited both Cy and James. As Cy prepares to graduate this year and move on to university, he feels better equipped to make new friends, communicate, and relate to people even when they might be a bit different than him. He also knows that his friendship with James will continue beyond high school. “We’re always there for each other,” he says. “We’ll definitely maintain our friendship. Whenever I come back, I’ll say hi to James and everyone else in the Best Buddies program.”

For James, his friendship with Cy and involvement in Best Buddies has helped him to regulate his anxiety and stay more productive in class. The pair enjoy going to the weight room together during lunch, which helps James let out any extra energy and feel more relaxed during school hours. By having support on a peer level, James is better able to navigate the social dynamics of high school. Bishop Reding’s Staff Advisor, Litsa Inglis, notes that James’ classroom behaviour has significantly improved because of his friendship with Cy. “Cy is like his big brother,” she explains. “When James goes out for his walks, other students may not know he is a Life Skills student. If Cy notices things happening that may be inappropriate and it’s hard for James to communicate that, he steps in and protects him in that way.”

The Best Buddies program at Bishop Reding wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Mrs. Inglis and support from Mr. Di Ianni, the administrative team, and the Special Education Department. They provide monthly pizza parties for Best Buddies participants and have worked all year to hold group events and foster paired friendships. Their efforts have created a strong chapter at the school. In James’ words, “The teachers are who make it all happen.”

James and Cy are excited to see how Best Buddies at Bishop Reding grows and develops. They hope that anyone who may be interested in joining takes a chance on the program. “Do it. We need more nice people in this world,” James says. When asked if he has words of advice for someone considering joining the program, Cy says, “You could have a lifelong friend and never know if you never did it. My advice is to get out there, explore, have fun, and meet new people.”

James and Cy are just one of the many buddy pairs impacted by the Best Buddies friendship program.

Through Best Buddies, James and Cy have not only enriched each other’s lives but have also helped to foster a more inclusive and compassionate school community. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of friendship and inclusion.

The post Best Buddies Story Spotlight: James O’Donohue and Cy Fletcher appeared first on Best Buddies Canada.

Minaxi was first introduced to Best Buddies when an information session at school left a lasting impression on her. “I wanted to spend time with people who I wouldn’t generally spend time with,” she explains. “I’ve dedicated at least one lunch a week to spend time with these individuals and over the past couple of years I’ve grown to cherish the friendships I’ve formed.”

Romir, who was new to the school, was also eager to join Best Buddies and make new friends. Ms. Bassan, a Life Skills teacher and Brampton Centennial’s Best Buddies Staff Advisor, oversaw their first meeting. She paired Minaxi and Romir in a one-to-one friendship, and they immediately hit it off. “It was easy to be around each other,” Minaxi says. “I love coming to school to spend time with friends like Romir.”

From that instant connection, their bond quickly developed. Minaxi and Romir developed a routine of playing games and going for walks together at lunchtime. One of their favourite things to do is visit the school’s classroom turtle. Whether they work on a puzzle, read books, or simply chat, they’re always happy to spend quality time together. “As the months went on, Romir’s excitement increased and so did mine,” Minaxi says. “Our relationship evolved from its beginning stages into a really close friendship.”

Their friendship has even evolved beyond the program, and they often spend time together outside of school. Recently, Minaxi and Romir went to a Raptors game with their friend, Cheyenne. “Guess what? The Raptors won!” Romir smiles. “We got to see the dinosaur.”

Although attending a new school can often be an isolating experience for many students, Romir has felt more comfortable adjusting to his new environment because of the Best Buddies community at Brampton Centennial and his one-to-one friendship with Minaxi. When asked what he most admires about Minaxi, he has no shortage of answers: “One of the things I like is Minaxi is nice to me and she loves me,” he says. “She cares about me and spends time with me. She’s kind and always funny.”

Minaxi’s participation in Best Buddies has had a profound impact on her understanding of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and her views towards inclusivity and friendship. “It’s definitely enlightened me to realize that these kids are just like any other human being,” she says. “Being friends with [Life Skills students] is just as important as being friends with your classmates. I admire Romir’s kindness and constant empathy for others.” Best Buddies has also impacted the general school community. More and more mainstream students are consistently showing up to Best Buddies events which “makes the experience for the buddies and the kids more enjoyable.”

A standout moment for Minaxi occurred earlier this year when her family donated Best Buddies T-shirts to everyone at the chapter. She reflects on how emotional it was to hand out the T-shirts and see the positive impact they had on the students. “It made me realize that what I’m doing is bigger than myself,” she shares. “Romir said some very kind words that that just touched my heart. I feel proud when I wear my shirt that I’m part of this initiative.”

Minaxi encourages anyone considering joining Best Buddies to “be open minded.” She explains that the friendship between a peer buddy and buddy is supposed to grow. Even though this takes time and development, it’s worth it at the end of the day.

Minaxi and Romir’s story attests to the transformative power of friendship and the impact of inclusive programs like Best Buddies. By breaking down barriers and fostering a genuine connection, they’ve built a more compassionate school community and found a friend for life.

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She first became involved with Best Buddies at North Toronto Collegiate while looking for ways to bridge the gap between her special education students and their mainstream peers. She was one of the first teachers in Canada to establish a Best Buddies high school chapter. Even as she transitioned between schools over the years, she ensured each chapter thrived by passing on her role as Staff Advisor to new teachers.

While running a chapter at Riverdale Collegiate Institute, Brenda encouraged her students to engage with the community. They attended activities sponsored by Best Buddies Canada including Toronto Football Club games and Raptors games and went to dances at the downtown YMCA which Brenda recalls as “amazing opportunities” for fostering friendships and creating memorable experiences.

Brenda’s current school, Pine Ridge Secondary School in Pickering, has become one of Best Buddies’ most successful chapters. She initiated the program as soon as she arrived and it’s since flourished under her guidance. The school’s special education department has expanded, and the chapter has grown with additional support staff and a student leadership team taking on responsibilities. Together, they organize events like movie days, bake sales, and field trips to the Royal Ontario Museum. Her goal is to see friendships flourish outside of school hours. She encourages mainstream students to connect with their buddies’ families and spend time together beyond school walls, fostering deeper bonds and lasting friendships.

Even during the challenges of Covid, Brenda was dedicated to running Best Buddies at Pine Ridge. Because kids in the special education department can be at a medically higher risk, their classes took much longer than mainstream classes to return to an in-person format. “The one to one, face to face contact is what makes Best Buddies,” Brenda explains. “It’s just not the same online.” Despite this setback, she worked hard to see the chapter return to where it was pre-Covid. The students do activities together during lunches and the chapter even hosted a pizza party lunch. Her perseverance ensured that the sense of community in the chapter remained strong. Most students, even if they aren’t officially a member, are familiar with the chapter and supportive of its fundraisers.

Teachers often approach Brenda throughout the school year to introduce students who may be interested in or benefit from the program. She opens the chapter to any student who wants to join and connect with other students. The program benefits special education and mainstream students alike.

One student, Elijah, spoke at Pine Ridge’s Grade 8 parent night about how much he’s gotten out of the program and how much more compassion he feels he has for others because of it. “I think it gives [the students] a deep appreciation for what they have, and awareness for the struggles other people have to overcome,” Brenda explains. “They realize, ‘People don’t have to necessarily be like me to be a real, true friend. You can enjoy each other’s uniqueness.’”

Elijah has attended Best Buddies on a weekly basis for two years. Brenda observed a friendship develop between him and one of her special education students, who was so shy that for the first few months of school, she rarely heard him speak. “When Elijah came in and connected with him, all of a sudden, he’s having a full-on conversation! This is a kid who we thought was almost totally nonverbal until he started talking with his best buddy,” she says. “To see a kid go from almost nonverbal to non-stop verbal in the span of a day is amazing! And it’s all because of his buddy.”

After many years as a teacher and staff advisor, Brenda is looking forward to retiring next year. Even though she will no longer be running the chapter, her impact will still be felt. Former students continue to reach out to her who have maintained friendships forged through Best Buddies long after graduation. As she passes on the torch to a new staff advisor at Pine Ridge, Brenda emphasizes the importance of Best Buddies in fostering empathy and social skills among students: “It’s worth the investment to start up a chapter. The way [the students] care for each other and stay connected down the road makes it all worthwhile.”

Brenda Hopper’s journey with Best Buddies exemplifies the program’s impact on fostering friendships, nurturing compassion, and creating inclusive communities. She shares, “It’s helped me be a more compassionate teacher and leader. It’s impactful and I think it’s made a difference in a lot of kids’ lives – the club, the program, the experience – but I also got a lot out of it as well.” Best Buddies Canada deeply appreciates Brenda’s significant contribution to the program. In recognition of her dedication to fostering friendship and inclusion, she was honoured with Best Buddies Canada’s 2023-2024 Volunteer Award. Her story serves as a source of inspiration for all who aim to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

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Naomi’s journey with Best Buddies began in ninth grade when she noticed that her school’s special education classroom was secluded, tucked away at the back of a hallway far from the mainstream classrooms. She decided to start a Best Buddies chapter to foster a sense of inclusion and community at her school. As Chapter President, Naomi witnessed firsthand the impact the program had on both mainstream and special education students, including herself. “Best Buddies helped me develop leadership skills and work in a team,” she explains. “It helped me learn that we all have different opinions, and each one should be valued and listened to.”

Naomi paired herself up with someone who changed her life. Chantel, a student with Down syndrome, not only became Naomi’s best buddy, but a sister and a friend for life. “She’s my rock,” Naomi says. She knew immediately they were a perfect match. At their first Best Buddies event together – a school dance – Chantel went to the middle of the dance floor and did the entire dance to “Hoedown Throwdown”. Naomi can’t help but laugh. “Everyone stopped what they were doing. I was just in shock, like, ‘Woah, who is this chick?’”

From that point on, there hasn’t been a year Naomi can look back on that Chantel wasn’t there. They became strong leaders and were recognized for their friendship. Over the years, they spoke at Best Buddies events like the Ascot, went to conferences in Toronto, met celebrity advocates like Goldie Hawn and Best Buddies’ founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver, and represented Canada at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Indiana. They did public speaking for the Hamilton school board, helped establish other Best Buddies chapters in the Hamilton area, and received a Leadership Award for their commitment. When asked whether Best Buddies played a part in their leadership and advocacy work, Naomi explains, “We know we can achieve dreams and goals because of Best Buddies. Best Buddies helped us find a voice, communicate with other people, and develop relationships.”

The two have been there for each other through good times and bad, walking through each phase of life as best friends. Chantel graduated from the CICE program at Mohawk College, got married to her husband, Brandon, and moved out to live with him independently. Naomi was there to witness it all; she was even Chantel’s Maid of Honour. “A person like Chantel is one in a million,” Naomi says. “Even though she has Down syndrome, she has so much more to offer. Down syndrome does not define her.”

Naomi also graduated from college, receiving a degree from Lambton College. She is engaged and has scheduled her wedding for August. “When I told Chantel I was engaged, she immediately said, ‘Yes, I’ll be your Maid of Honour’. I didn’t even have to ask,” she laughs.

Even though Naomi now lives in Chatham and Chantel lives in Brantford, they still make time to see each other. They video chat at least once a week and get together every so often to drink Iced Capps from Tim Hortons – their favourite – and have sleepovers.

Naomi doesn’t think she could have done this life without Chantel by her side. When they first met, Naomi thought she was just going to help a special education student feel included. “Now I can see that in the last 15 years, she has helped me way more than I have helped her,” Naomi explains. “I thought I would help somebody, not expecting anything in return, even though I’ve received it ten times over.”

Naomi and Chantel’s friendship is simply one of many fostered by Best Buddies Canada’s friendship program. Fifteen years after they first met, their experience with and beyond the program continues to inspire Naomi to work with individuals with IDD and help people to have a more inclusive mindset. “If it wasn’t for Best Buddies, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It helped shape us.”

The post Best Buddies Story Spotlight: Naomi Epp appeared first on Best Buddies Canada.