While researching Special Olympics International sight I came across a Link to Best Buddies. My son, who is developmentally challenged was 13 at the time. I contacted your organization and was dismayed when I heard there were no chapters out here on the west coast at the time but knew that the possibility of one would be here in the future. I have been receiving information from that time on and was thrilled when we rec’d information that a chapter was starting up in the University British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. my son is now 20, graduated from High school , in transition and is in  real need of friends. He has, just this month, been to his first group meeting and has met with student buddy and I have never him so happy. To have a phone call and invitation to go out with someone other than his brother, sister, mom and Dad is the way it is suppose to be. He has always had a strong network while in school but now that is diminishing as he is in this transitional stage. Best Buddies came along at the right time!

To all of you at Best Buddies organization, I thank you. As a mom who has watched her young adult son loose his network of friends is heart wrenching and to have somebody come into his life at this point in time is a godsend, you are like angels. Please relay this to all your volunteers….the joy that a friend brings to one who has lost many without understanding why is immeasurable. The Friendships that will be created will bring you all as much joy as our family members have brought us. You are all making a difference in helping to create an awareness that the developmentally challenged must have a place in society. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ann Carr
Shane’s Mom
Vancouver B.C