Promoting inclusivity and friendship is the goal of a new Comox Valley Schools initiative that will see six new benches installed.
Dubbed “Buddy Benches”, they have been donated by Coastal Custom Homes and Comox Valley Dodge to multiple schools including Valley View, Brooklyn and Courtenay Elementary schools.
The school district says they are a simple but powerful concept to bring young students together at playgrounds.
“When students see someone sitting on the bench, they are encouraged to approach them, strike up a conversation and invite them to play or talk,” said the school district in an emailed statement.
“Comox Valley Schools is very grateful to the teams at Comox Valley Dodge and Coastal Custom Homes for donating these beautiful buddy benches that promote inclusivity in our schools,” added Comox Valley Schools communications manager Craig Sorochan.
“These benches are not just a place to sit – they are a beacon of friendship and inclusivity, reinforcing our community’s values.”
A bench was installed at Courtenay Elementary on Nov. 16.
