Best Buddies

Welcome to our September eNewsletter. As the year progresses, Best Buddies is going from strength to strength. We recently presented at the NSW High School Principals State Assembly. Michael and Josh, one of our buddy pairs from Kellyville, provided a great presentation that not only demonstrated the depth of their friendship, but the real value that comes from simply being mates.

Best Buddies has been successful with winning a Grant through the ASX/Reuters Foundation, we have been nominated for a City of Sydney Disability Inclusiveness Award and started developing an evaluation platform. Wow, no wonder we feel like we’re run off our feet! 

Finally, I wanted to remind all our volunteers about the upcoming Best Buddies Day celebrations (27 Nov). The day is going to be ‘cracker-jack’ full of fun and surprises. We have some excellent special guests and of course the announcement of who wins the Best Buddies High Schools Pair of the Year Award, sponsored by RedBallon. If you haven't yet voted for the pair that you think should win, entries close on 30th October so click Who's the 'Best' Buddy Pair 2009? and vote now.

Enjoy and watch this space.

Mark Trevaskis - Executive Director

Narelle & Karen - Buddy Pair Profile

Narelle and Karen share a mutual love of the movies. But talk with them for any length of time and it becomes apparent that their friendship is based on a lot more than just regular trips to the cinema. Swimming, walking, the zoo and dinners are just some of the things that these two have done together matched through the Best Buddies Citizens Program in Victoria. Our Citizens Program matches those over 18 with someone who lives locally of the same gender who has similar interests in a one to one friendship. 
 
For an interview with this inspiring buddy pair, please click here

High School Makeover Experience

Best Buddies Australia volunteer Olivia sourced a unique experience for one buddy pair in the month of September; receive a complimentary professional makeover complete with tips and instructions.

The lucky recipients of the at-home experience and expertise provided by our professional makeup artist Gemma were Jessica and Emily from Leichhardt High School on September 8th.

Click here for more photos and the low down...

 

 

Why Social Inclusion Is Like a Seat Belt

 

 

Director Mark Trevaskis was recently at a meeting with the parent of a young lady with who has an intellectual disability. 'During the conversation, this parent told me that 'Social Inclusion is just like Seat Belts.' When I had a think about it, it made complete sense to me....'

To find out why, click here