As Canada’s leading custom clothing retailer we have a wide variety of clients covering a range of industries and sectors, from large to small businesses. Others are professional and amateur sports teams. Some of our longest-standing partners are in the not-for-profit sector. One of our closest partnerships is with Best Buddies Canada.
Through Best Buddies, students with and without special needs in elementary and high schools, colleges and universities are paired in one-to-one friendships to help promote inclusion and reduce bullying. Students are given the same opportunity to enjoy the same experiences most people take for granted such as going to the mall together, watching a movie, or simply enjoying the company of a friend. Today, there are over 400 schools and 12,000 volunteers involved with Best Buddies nationwide.
The overall aim of Best Buddies is to help children with special needs to become more integrated into schools and communities in Canada, USA and beyond.
Why is Best Buddies Important?
Intellectual and developmental disability can be alienating and isolating for young people, and Best Buddies is designed to provide a network of companionship to make the difficult process of growing up a little easier. Best Buddies came to Canada in 1993. The program ensures school children with special needs are included into the social aspects of the school system. The idea behind it is to provide special needs students with the confidence to engage with their local community and set them up for a fulfilling and positive future.
Where Does Entripy Fit In?
Best Buddies receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of the private sector and individuals. Their biggest source of income comes from an annual gala, Thrill of the Ascot, and 50/50 Draws at Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Marlies games, in partnership with the MLSE Foundation. The Best Buddies staff is small. Their office is modest, and the organization operates efficiently, like a successful business should. In the past four years, Best Buddies has experienced exceptional growth and expansion, while still managing with a small staff and very little overhead.
Entripy is extremely proud to provide Best Buddies with custom clothing and promotional products so that youth and volunteers can wear high quality apparel that proudly displays the Best Buddies famous logo, designed by the late Keith Haring.
The Vice President of Business Development, Manny Brar, and his team at Entripy have been closely working with Executive Director, Steven Pinnock, and his great Best Buddies team for many years now.
“Entripy continues to be a proud partner and supporter of Best Buddies. Working with this organization has been an eye-opening and very rewarding experience. Knowing that you are making a difference and putting a smile on children less fortunate is extremely powerful.” Manny Brar
Top Quality Clothing Customized For Best Buddies
Best Buddies provides branded clothing on their e-store that is located on the footer of their website under Merchandise. All their garments are top quality and built to last – examples include the custom cotton t-shirt with the distinctive logo, available in a range of colours. For cooler days there is the comfortable and stylish Best Buddies custom sweatshirt to stay warm in. Purchasing Best Buddies merchandise is a great way to help spread the word of this great organization.
As a Toronto based custom clothing company, it is a pleasure to get involved in the local community and support organizations in whichever way we can.
We are grateful to Best Buddies for allowing us to contribute to their invaluable inclusion program for children and adults with special needs. Best Buddies has been operating in Canada for over 20 years and long may it continue. If you would like to contribute, please consider making a donation or purchasing merchandise available on their website, www.bestbuddies.ca.
