Best Buddies program for people with special needs doubles in size

A program at UPEI that pairs people with special needs with a peer buddy has doubled in size compared to last year.

The Best Buddies program has grown to include 40 members.

• Best Buddies group at UPEI creates special friendships

People paired in the program go on outings together such as bowling or going to the movies. On Saturday the group held a fundraising event withtheUPEIMen's and Women's Basketball team, along with Island Storm players who gave autographs and posed for photos.

Good for UPEI students

MaddieHughes, a fourth-year nursing student, said the programalso gives students a chance to get involved in the community.

"Wehave had a few students from high school that have been transitioning into university and they join our program, which is fantastic, because then they have that buddy that they already know before they come into an already new situation," she said.

Hughes hopes the program, which is no longer limited to the school, will continue to grow as more people become aware of the program.

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