 |
Nicole Beatty, a 4th-year communications student, and Jamila Gubbels, who is in the nursing bachelor's program in collaboration with Algonquin College, were honoured for their work with Best Buddies, an international program that matches university and college students with individuals with developmental disabilities.
“It is largely due to the commitment of Nicole and Jamila that Best Buddies is alive and thriving in Ottawa,” says the New RO's Karen Soloman, who presented the CBA in her role as United Way representative responsible for volunteer recognition.
The surprise award ceremony came during a meet-and-greet session for 40 uOttawa volunteers and their ‘buddies.’
Beatty has been active with Best Buddies for four years - the last two as coordinator of the University of Ottawa chapter. While administrative duties for the organization require countless hours, she also spends a lot of time with her own buddy, Cécile Joanette. Together, they have organized several group activities for Best Buddies.
For her part, Jamila Gubbels founded the Algonquin College chapter of Best Buddies in the fall of 2003. She originally met her buddy, Chastity Emonds, through the University of Ottawa Best Buddies chapter. The two have been friends for the past five years.
As CBA recipients, Beatty and Gubbels will see their names added to United Way's permanent Wall of Honour at city hall.
