What started as an idea to make inclusion more than just a buzzword has grown into one of UPEI’s most community-driven clubs. Extra Awesome, founded by Grace McQuaid in Fall 2024, was created to provide a welcoming space for individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings to socialize, build friendships, and feel fully included, while also offering parents a period of respite.
Every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., volunteers transform Room 201 in the Chi-Wan Young Sport Centre into a lively space filled with games, crafts, and themed activities. Each session is carefully planned to encourage creativity, connection, and fun, whether through art workshops, sports-themed nights, or special outings. Now in its second year, the club has grown not only in numbers but in structure and confidence. Devan Gormley, a fourth-year student and program coordinator for Extra Awesome, said the club feels more organized and sustainable this year.
Both Gormley and Bader say the motivation behind their involvement goes beyond volunteering hours or resume building.
“I want to work in this field,” Gormley said. “This is something I care about, and it’s incredibly fulfilling.” Bader said working with Extra Awesome has been one of the highlights of her week. “Monday evenings are honestly the best part of my day,” she said. “Helping the participants, seeing them excited, and being part of that environment is incredibly rewarding.”
Looking ahead, the club is planning additional events, including a hockey game outing, a pizza party with an external sponsor, and a yoga class later in the semester. While Extra Awesome is still building long-term sponsorships, its impact on campus is already clear. By creating a space where inclusion is practiced, not just talked about, Extra Awesome continues to foster meaningful connections, one Monday evening at a time.