Members of Best Buddies Brock were busy collecting signatures at the University this week for a cause near and dear to their hearts. "Often the ‘R-word’ is used to describe people with intellectual disabilities," says fourth-year Public Health student Ava MacKay (left). "We're on campus this week on behalf of Best Buddies Brock to promote the ‘Spread the Word to End the Word campaign." A student-run club formed in 2008, Best Buddies promotes the creation of long-lasting friendships between students and individuals in the community with disabilities. The Brock chapter works in partnership with Community Living St. Catharines to pair students with peers who have intellectual disabilities based on mutual interests. "Our goal is to reach 200 signatures of pledges to stop the use of the word, replacing it instead with respect," explains Julia McCord (right), also a fourth-year Public Health student. "We are happy to be here during Best Buddies month to raise awareness about our club and to speak on behalf of an issue that is very close to our hearts." For more information on Best Buddies Brock, email bestbuddiesbrock@outlook.com