The "Best Buddies" Program has been in Canada for awhile, but not very active in Edmonton.  Currently 2 of our families have been successful in setting it up in their schools.  I met with Amy Lynn Taylor today (from Best Buddies Canada) and she is very interested in expanding the program in Edmonton.  She will assist families to set up a chapter in their school and is also looking for university students who may be interested in getting involved in the University Chapter.
 
As well, there is information on an event planned here in Edmonton on March 6 for any families to attend who wish to find out more information!  You do not have to be in the Best Buddies Program to attend this function.
 
If you wish to speak to one of the families that has set it up here, let me know at contact@edss.ca and I will connect you with them.
 
Gail Faulkner

My name is Amy Lynn Taylor and I am a Program Manager with Best Buddies for Alberta.  Best Buddies is a national charitable organization that helps foster one-to-one friendships between students and individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Through our programs, individuals with and with out an intellectual disability are given the opportunity to enjoy the same experiences most people take for granted -  going for coffee, watching a movie or simply enjoying the company of a friend.

Buddy paris meet on a regular basis.  Schools organize and become local Best Buddies chapters.  Chapters organize monthly events for their members to help encourage greater social interaction and fun.  Best Buddies staff supports local chapters.

Today, there are 200 Best Buddies chapters across Canada in most major universities, colleges and many high schools.  We have over 3200 volunteers involved in out program.  In Edmonton, McNally High School and Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School are actively participating in Best Buddies. 

I need you to help Best Buddies recruit students at the University of Alberta.  For the first time since 2003, the university community is without an active Best Buddies chapter!  Becoming involved with Best Buddies provides students with a great experience in leadership building and community work.  It also helps to enhance the quality of like for people with intellectual disabilities by becoming more active and engaged in everyday activities.  Best Buddies offers scholarships, training and annual leadership conferences opportunities to its students.

My role with Best Buddies is to help start each new chapter.  Once the chapter has its leadership team in place, it does no require much time, no more than maintaining other friendships would.

Please contact me if you know of someone who would be a candidate.  I encourage you to check out our website at www.bestbuddies.ca.  Also, please feel free to forward this email to your contacts to help me get Best Buddies started once again in Edmonton. 

Sincerely,

Amy Lynn Taylor
Best Buddies Canada - Alberta and BC Regions
Toll Free: 888-779-0061
e: amylynn@bestbuddies.ca