Best Buddies

Local volunteer led group raising funds for local mental health services and programs, organized through Mood Disorders Canada.

Vision All young people discover and achieve their full potential. Mission To provide safe, supportive spaces and positive mentoring relationships where young people experience new opportunities and develop confidence and skills for life. Site based Mentoring Programs Our SBM program requires a commitment of a minimum of a couple of hours a week, once a week for a minimum of one year from the Match date. Matches connect on site at our 1300 Bath Road Location where we have open gym space, a fitness center and indoor play structure available in the evenings.  We also have a lounge space that can be booked for crafts, board games and other lowkey activities.  Matches are also encouraged to attend our evening Big Bunch program and other potential special events the agency runs.  Site-Based Mentors are required to follow through with their commitments over the summer months. Big Bunch Programs Big bunch is an evening program that takes place weekly. This program is primarily for young people on our waitlist however some matches do attend. Volunteers join our staff team in implementing social emotional wellness programs including but not limited to nutrition, active lifestyle, & arts and crafts. Volunteers support in program implementation as well as providing valuable mentorship to participants.  Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of one night per week. In School Mentoring Our ISM program is for Children who are referred to the program by staff at the school.  Volunteers are required to commit to meeting the young person they are Matched with once a week for an hour for the duration of the school year (typically starting in October-December until April-June).  Matches meet in a separate space set aside by the school and hangout and do puzzles, play board games and do arts and crafts.  Occasionally there may be an active space available.  School Based Group Programs Our staff team goes during school hours and runs 8-week curriculum programs focused on social emotional wellness topics like empathy, confidence, internet safety and more. Volunteers are required to commit to one program for the 8-week duration.

Best Buddies Canada is a national registered charity that promotes inclusion by creating lasting one-to-one friendships between individuals living with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD and Autism Spectrum Disorder). There are over 383 programs across the country that serve over 11,000 people.