LINDSAY, Ont. – Cable Cable vice-president and general manager Michael Fiorini, his family and supporters are turning a tragedy into triumph.
In March of 2010, the Fiorini family lost their youngest daughter, Stefanie Fiorini-Kinley, when she died suddenly at the age of 36. Her family, led by her brother Michael, has decided to make sure her name and her ideals live on. “We all still think about her every day as soon as we wake up in the mornings,” he said.
So earlier this year, Michael, an avid cyclist, created Team Steffie – a team of cycling and fitness enthusiasts who have taken part in a number of fundraisers so far this year in Stefanie’s name. In May, members of Team Steffie took part in the Sport Chek Mother’s Day run/walk and in June, it was a run for Big Brothers in Antigonish, N.S. July was the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer from Montreal to Quebec City and members of Team Steffie will also take part in the RBC Whistler Grandfondo on September 10th.
But Velo Tremblant is a little different. Michael and two other riders, Brian Simpson and Jamie Grant (pictured), will leave from Lindsay, Ont. for a 500-km, three-day bicycle ride to the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance annual general meeting, Connect 2011, at Mont Tremblant, raising money for Team Steffie’s own charity, Avenues for Kids.
Avenues for Kids donates money to groups and organizations whose primary objective is the betterment of the lives of children in communities across Canada and funds raised from Velo Tremblant will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
Steffie had three children of her own and Michael says this charity builds upon his sister’s belief that all kids need to be presented the right challenges and opportunities as they go through their life towards adulthood.
Fiorini has also thrown out a corporate challenge to the entire industry – especially those attending the CCSA’s Connect conference – to donate at least $500 towards his goal of $50,000.
Cartt.ca has taken up that challenge and has already donated $500 towards this very worthy cause and we’re thinking if this tiny online trade journal can find $500 for this most worthy project, then so can a lot of other companies in this industry.
For more information and to donate, click here. To watch Mike’s personal appeal, click here, and to follow Team Steffie on Facebook, click here.
