CFL All-Star Raises Funds for Ausome Ottawa, Makes “Dream Come True”

Three cheers for Ausome MVP Brad Sinopoli! The former RedBlack All-Star and local hero just wrapped up his 2nd annual 24-hr fish-a-thon fundraiser for Ausome Ottawa — landing a few muskies and lots of donations along the way! 

Brad first learned about Ausome through a close friend whose daughter is one of our athletes. That’s how he came to learn about what makes Ausome programs different and the impact they have on the children and families we serve and our community. 

That in turn inspired him to launch his fish-a-thon last year and again this past Sunday. Brad knows how important playing sports and being active were to him as a child, and he’s passionate about giving more local children with autism the same opportunities to play. 

This year, he wanted to invite an Ausome athlete (and parent) to join him on the Ottawa River for a few hours, and Ausome athlete Alexandre was the perfect fit. As mom Meredith said, “he leaped at the opportunity to meet one of his football heroes!” 

Alexandre loves football and his family are major RedBlacks fans. For three years, he attended a football camp for children with autism that was created by a former RedBlack player. “There was no turning back for him,” says Meredith. “He was a die-hard RedBlacks football fan from that point on.” Being from PEI, fishing is also a family favourite activity. Talk about a perfect match!

Under Sunday’s blues skies and late afternoon sun, the three of them had a blast sharing stories and laughs — and Alexandre even landed a couple of sunfish! “Nothin’ like a day of fishing!” he exclaimed. 

“Thanks to the generosity of Brad Sinopoli and Ausome Ottawa donors, Sunday was a dream come true for Alexandre,” said Meredith. 

There’s still time to donate and help Brad reach his fundraising goal!

Please chip in what you can here!

Thank you for being our MVP, Brad! You. Are. Ausome!