Brigida Aversa
Community Pillars
Brigida Aversa is a successful entrepreneur, community volunteer and philanthropist.
After seeing a void in the market for quality childcare, Brigida Aversa (an experienced business professional) and Theresa Bertuzzi (a certified, primary school teacher, with additional qualifications in Early Childhood Education) decided to establish their own early learning centre that catered to the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of young children through educational, interactive, and fun programs.
Tiny Hoppers began in 2005, with one location in the Ottawa South region and today has grown into a franchise of 38 locations across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, with more centres scheduled to open across the country.
In 2013, Brigida won the prestigious Ottawa Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award. This award is one of the most distinguished business awards for young business leaders. Tiny Hoppers was also recognized with a bronze medal for Small Company of the Year classification.
Brigita’s business success led her to one of her passions: the Tiny Hoppers Father Daughter Ball. She has been the inspiration and co-chair of the Ball – a magical charity event with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation so that special children are granted their very own wishes for the past 11 years. This event has provided a special day for daughters to spend with their fathers while helping terminally ill children and families enjoy their time together. The event began in 2012 and to date has raised over $130,000. In 2018, the Father Daughter Ball raised over $25,000 and a family with a wish was able to go to Disney World.
Tiny Hoppers has also dedicated many fundraising efforts such as helping “Elimu” organization build a nursery school in Kenya. Its staff and volunteers have hosted poinsettia drives and parents’ night outs to support this valuable charity.
Some of the other charities that Brigita has supported through her Tiny Hoppers organization include: Stonebridge Kibirnie Park Playground, Cure for Lisa, Weekend to End Breast Cancer, MCNS Silent Auction, Cure for Cancer, Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre Auction, Rogers House, Castor Valley ES Silent Auction, Children at Risk, Ceche Natural Family Fair, John Laurysen Memorial Golf Tournament, Italian Carnivale, Beavers- Riverside South Chapter, Autistic Society, SORD, Villa Marconi, and the Lions Club – Gloucester Chapter.
Brigida was 14 years old when she started her volunteer work. She became involved in helping the Italian Canadian Community revive its Order of Italo Canadians’ Mothers’ Day dances by organizing fashion shows. Brigida also became an involved in the community by serving on the board of directors at the weekly Italian school. As an attendee of the school as a child she felt it important for her to continue the legacy for her children and others. She served on its Board of Directors as Secretary from 2015 to 2017.
Brigida has also made significant contributions through involvement in La Serata Italiana (Italian Night) – in support of the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Her son was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease which motivated her to raise funds to help find a cure. She started her involvement in 2013 and has been an active committee member for the past 10 years.
Brigida’s energy and dedication to sharing her success with her community are an inspiration to everyone.
