Karen and Narelle live in Victoria and are matched in a one to one friendship through the Best Buddies Citizens Program. Over the three years since they were first introduced by their Program Manager Rebecca, their friendship has grown from strength to strength seeing them through house moves and the arrival of Karen's son. Here, we gain some insight into the value that each places on the other one being in their life.
Tell us about your buddy
Karen: We are almost exactly the same age, being 2 months apart - our birthdays are at the same time. We LOVE the movies. Narelle is generous and kind. She has a really quirky sense of humour...she's giggling now - she makes me laugh! She is nice to everyone and a really positive person to be around; she reminds me of the bright side of life. We get on really well! Over time we have become closer and closer...we are almost like sisters. We talk on the 'phone a lot and I look forward to seeing her.
Narelle: She is really funny and really kind to me! She is good to talk to; a nice person to talk to.
What do you do together?
Narelle: Movies, Pools, Shopping! Bowling! We went out walking, out for dinner - I like pizzas. We visit each others homes, I go to hers, she came to mine...she met my Dad - I live with him - it was nice. We went to the Zoo!
Karen: I had a baby not so long ago and she comes and helps me look after Tyler.She came to watch us swim in the pool the other day. We try and do something special around our birthdays each year, last year we went to the Zoo, this year we went to the top of the Eureka Tower on the Sky Deck which was scary (and fun!) We do cooking together - today we made bananna and chocolate chip muffins. But our big thing is the movies - we both love the movies.
What does your buddy mean to you?
Karen: We are really good friends. It's so great to be with someone who always sees the bright side of life! She is like a sister to me.
Narelle: I think...she is like a sister.
Karen's Top Tips for new buddy pairs
- It takes a while to get to know the other person. Take your time and find things to do that you both enjoy.
- It is very rewarding in the long run.Commit to a nice long friendship like you would with any friend.
- Challenges will come up.If you want to, you can work around them. It is rewarding!
Narelle and Karen were interviewed by Natalie Bishop.
If you would like to become a buddy to someone please contact Mark on 9211 8722.
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Narelle (left) with Karen's son Tyler on her lap and Karen. |
