Best Buddies Canada > Our Programs

Often, individuals with intellectual disabilities do not have the chance to interact in a social setting or have many friends. Best Buddies is working to change that.

Working with students, teachers, parents and community members across the country, Best Buddies offers our program in high schools, as well as colleges and universities.

Our program works by establishing chapters in schools across Canada. Each chapter is comprised of student volunteers, who are matched with individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is our hope that these matches evolve into strong friendships.

Pairs are asked to talk or email once a week, and meet twice a month. Chapters meet once a month to organize fundraisers and for group activities.

Best Buddies Canada is proceeding with its expansion plans to meets its target of 500 chapters by 2010. As expected, these initiatives are costly and important.

You can support Best Buddies by Making a Donation.

To learn more about how to start a chapter or to participate in existing chapters view our Get Involved section.

High School Program / College & University Program

The Best Buddies High School Program matches students with intellectual disabilities with other students, generally from the same school, to create one-to-one friendships. The High School program is established in public and private schools. Chapters are run by students, with teachers acting as staff advisors, and with the assistance of Best Buddies Canada staff. Learn More

The Best Buddies College/University Program works with community agencies to match students from colleges and universities with individuals with intellectual disabilities from the community. To be involved in the program, individuals with intellectual disabilities must be receiving services from a community agency. The College and University chapters are run by willing students, a staff member from a community agency and an individual with an intellectual disability, as buddy director.
Learn More