Christmas comes early to Burlington Best Buddies

Halton Regional Police Association makes big donation to student inclusion program

The Best Buddies club at Assumption Secondary School will have an extra merry Christmas this year, thanks to a donation from the Halton Regional Police Association. The Association donated $500 to the club, money that will be used to help organize a Christmas party and other events for the student club.
 
Madison Worth and Jessica Forhan are students at Assumption and co-presidents of the club. "This money will help us make our out-of-school events as low cost as possible for all our participants," said Worth. "We really appreciate the generous donation of the Halton Regional Police."
 
The Best Buddies club at Assumption creates friendships between students with and without intellectual disabilities.  It has more than 40 members who come together to enjoy social activities, and promote inclusion and friendship in their school. The students enjoy pizza parties, bowling, crafts, watching and playing sports or getting together with other Best Buddies clubs in the area. The club has been active since 2008 and is one of four Best Buddies chapters running in Burlington.
 
"Our student volunteers in Burlington are really committed to the program, and to the importance of inclusion," explained Rob Rombouts, Program Manager of Best Buddies. "When we get extra community support from groups like the Police Association, it really helps keep the volunteers encouraged, and helps our program grow."