Capreol becomes 2nd region in Canada to host bully presentation w/Optimus Prime
"I know these kids will never forget that day, and neither will I."
Optimus Prime and his driver, Joe Fiduccia, recently visited the far reaches of northern Ontario for a local convention and to spread awareness about bullying. This trip in 2023 was the first time they brought their campaign to rise up against bullies into Canada.
On the way back home to the USA, Fiduccia was honored to accept an offer he couldn't refuse - serving as a Keynote Speaker for a local college, while also delivering his bully awareness presentation to a nearby elementary school. All in an attempt to inspire a few more young minds before leaving Canada.
Cody Cacciotti, Fiduccia's contact from a 2019 event at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum (and subsequent friend who also helped him build the Matrix of Leadership), contacted Joe about a contest and awards ceremony they were hosting at Cambrian College. The event was centered around aspiring entrepreneurs who wanted a chance to pitch their unique ideas for a chance to win cash prizes.
"Cody knew I was planning a trip into Timmins Ontario around the same time, and asked if I would be willing to be a Keynote Speaker at this college event ... while simultaneously scheduling a local school presentation nearby in Capreol. Thus maximizing my trip through Ontario."
"I wanted the folks in Timmins to be the first to host these presentations, since they were the ones who had been planning for years to bring me up there. But it made sense to make this extra stop in Capreol as well, since I was already passing through the region. So I was humbled and honored to accept Cody's invitation, and agreed to do this on my return trip from Timmins."
Cacciotti and Fiduccia had been in talks for over a year, attempting to schedule a visit in conjunction with Fiduccia's pending trip further north. They coordinated with C.R. Judd Public School in Capreol to host a bully awareness presentation as well. But the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic just kept delaying that voyage.
"We were supposed to do this in 2022, but I couldn't physically make it up there. When they finally opened the borders again, we were able to revisit this and plan for a 2023 appearance."
Fiduccia stopped first at Cambrian College with Optimus Prime late in April 2023, serving as a Keynote Speaker at their Student Innovation Challenge. He spent about 25 minutes sharing his journey with Optimus to the students. Enlightening them on the hardships an entrepreneurial path will create, the struggles and changes that can follow, while also encouraging them to use their passion to break through those barriers.
Optimus remained on display outside to inspire some visual creativity, alongside another custom build known as the Lil Big Rig (owned by Cambrian College).
"When I finished my presentation, some of the students actually surprised me with an award of their own - a custom box and plaque with my logo engraved. It was such a kind gesture, and a true testament towards how much they appreciated me doing this for them."
The following day after the awards ceremony, Fiduccia drove Optimus into Capreol with Cacciotti to deliver a bully awareness presentation at C.R. Judd Public School. The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum, the Greater Sudbury Police Service and Capreol Fire Fighters Club all came together to support this mission for the kids in their community.
Fiduccia delivered his presentation to the students outside on school grounds. The police and fire departments helped him with a grand lights and sirens entrance. Both the school and the museum shared in the expenses to help fund this detour.
"It was actually snowing quite heavily during the entire presentation. I can officially say that was a first for me. But the folks up there are built tough. They were attentive, engaged, and seemed to enjoy our visit. The snow didn't bother them one bit."
Fiduccia believes in finding ways to make the biggest impact possible when he travels through communities. He says he was glad to make this final stop in Capreol, who simultaneously became the 2nd region in Canada to host a bully awareness presentation alongside Optimus Prime.
He believes the kids will never forget the day Optimus showed up expectedly, and that he hopes the message about bullying will resonate with more than your typical few.
Cacciotti, along with representatives from the community and the museum board members, attended to watch the presentation. Their stop made headlines in a local paper, and the school's principal was also very appreciative for the opportunity.
"I wanted to extend our gratitude to all of you for arranging this presentation," says Principal Susan Cousineau. "I know our students will be having lots of conversations at home about what they saw and the important message they heard. After seeing Optimus Prime and listening to Mr. Joe's personal anti-bullying message, our Jaguars are excited to join Team prime and Rise Up Against Bullies!"
"The roads of Northern Ontario were rough on Optimus," says Fiduccia. "But the hospitality I experienced throughout the region made this trip one of the most enjoyable voyages I've ever had in Canada. Everyone was extremely welcoming. You could tell they appreciated the effort I made to get up there and share our replica as well as our story with them."
"It was hard to leave, especially because I have no idea when I'll ever be back up there again. But I would welcome the chance to return to this region of Canada anytime. And I am eternally grateful for the opportunities my friend Cody presented to help me make a positive impact during my visit to Canada."
