CAPE CORAL, Fla -- The orders currently in place to protect us from the coronavirus can leave you feeling lonely. During those feelings of isolation, one local nonprofit is asking the question: What if you felt like that every day, regardless of the pandemic? Best Buddies hopes our time in quarantine will shine a light on inclusion when it comes to those with disabilities.
This past weekend was supposed to be one dedicated to inclusion for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But the second annual Best Buddies Southwest Florida Friendship Walk was one of many local events postponed due to COVID-19.
"To know that we cannot have all the many people who attended our first all together, that part is heartbreaking," said Area Director Melanie Musick.
"Best Buddies, our whole gist, is let's provide opportunities for friendship and social activities for people who have been isolated for a large part of their lives," she added.
The international non-profit organization estimates that's about 200 million people. The annual walk is one big way local chapters work to bridge that gap each year. So instead, Best Buddies chapters around the globe plan to do so virtually on June 20th.
"We will open up with a Facebook live at 10:30," Musick said.
"We're still in an effort to raise money to support the organization and ultimately more than anything our programs to reaching to provide services to the buddies."
And until those in-person programs and social activities are able to resume...
"We are offering our Friendship Friday for our different age groups to hop on just so they can see different people. We’re going to come out of this stronger, I know that without a doubt," she said.
If you'd like to learn how you can participate in this year's Virtual Walk for Inclusion, click here.
To be apart of the Rebound Florida Facebook click here.
