Laser City is where Between Friends takes the youth for Laser Tag regularly. Laser Tag is among the most popular activities for the youth. Photo: Jason Taylor
Between Friends is an organization that gives disabled children, youth, and adults around Calgary ways to have fun and make friends. Through fun events like Laser Tag Night, the program offers the chance for physical activity, social interaction, and the experiences they deserve. Between Friends showcases how disabilities shouldn’t hinder the opportunities that they deserve.
Between Friends is based out of Calgary and was founded in 1970 as the Pink Pelican Club, rebranding to Between Friends in 1982. I had the opportunity to go and meet some amazing people at one of their regular programs, Laser Tag Night. One volunteer I met was Wesley, he was one of the main orchestrators of the events for the youth programs at Between Friends and he was incredibly happy to share what Between Friends does for the community.
“One of our biggest programs is Camp Bonaventure,” Wesley says, “the program runs over the summer and is geared towards youth, ages 4–17, and get to hang out at Sandy Beach.”
2022 has been a big year for Between Friends as this year saw the return of all their in-person activities in their entirety. During the pandemic, Wesley had told me that they had to resort to watching movies via group calls and doing other fun online activities such as GeoGuessr. Now that in-person activities are back for good, programs like Laser Tag have been a favorite among the youth.
Between Friends is an amazing organization with lots of opportunities to get involved. Ways you can help Between Friends grow and expand opportunities for those enrolled with the organization include:
Donations to help fund future programs- Buying from their online store
- Volunteering so you can make great connections
- Becoming an employee with Between Friends
- Become a member or help someone become a member
- Subscribe to their newsletter so you can know what events are happening
“I think it has made me a better person, it gives me something to do,” says James, who has been with Between Friends for around ten years.
“For myself, the most fulfilling thing has been the sense of community,” says Alex, who has volunteered with Between Friends since 2009, “that’s been created whether it’s for myself with my friends or watching my brothers grow up and make friends in our programs.”
For those who are interested in volunteering with Between Friends, email volunteers@betweenfriends.ab.ca or you can phone their office at 403-269-9133
Reflection
My time with Between Friends was amazing. I was amazed at the kind of programs that they offer for not only children and youth but even for adults as well. The staff was amazing with the youth and the youth themselves were awesome as well. It was great interacting with everyone there, especially since they were fascinated by the presence of a camera. Laser Tag Nights sound like a fun time for not only the youth but for the volunteers as well. Between Friends is doing amazing work in giving those who are disabled a chance to grow as people and build connections with others. My time with Between Friends was so great, that I have considered volunteering with the organization myself. I know what it is like to be around children and youth with disabilities and their hearts are as bright as the sun.
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