Optimus Prime is visiting Timmins to combat bullying

Some Timmins area schools had a special visitor this week – delivering a message about bullying.

The character ‘Optimus Prime’ from the transformers movies, values strong leadership and helping others. ‘He’ was in Timmins this week for a TimminsCon 2023, which runs Saturday and Sunday at Mcintyre Community Centre, and while in town told local students why it’s important to “think before you act.”

This week, ‘Optimus Prime’ and his driver made the trip up from the the State of Pennsylvania, to surprise Timmins youth with a message about how to combat bullying.

Joe Fiduccia is the owner of the fan built replica vehicle and founder of ‘Optimus is here.’ While travelling in Canada he partners with many amazing community organizations – his visit to Timmins was a partnership with D.A.R.E. Timmins.

The D.A.R.E. Timmins program is an ever evolving, evidence-based educational tool that helps youth understand the importance of good decision making skills so that they can live safe and healthy lives that was established in 1994.

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“He’s always trying to do the right thing, he’s always trying to help others around him and i think that, in itself is really motivating,” said Fiduccia.

“It’s a character that everyone kind of looks up to, you know he’s a natural leader that you just want to follow.”

D.A.R.E. told CTV News this is the first time Optimus has done any anti-bullying tour like this in Canada.

“Bullying exists everywhere and if some kids know how to prevent it at any time, just the message of bullying goes through the schools and the teachers.” Said Francine Denis, the program’s chair.

Fiduccia starts each tour visit by talking about why people bully, potential ways to deal with it – then he lets ‘Optimus Prime’ share some words of wisdom.

The presentation wraps up with a pledge to join ‘Team Prime’ and the fight against bullying. Optimus’ friend ‘Bumblebee’ then joins him and students have a chance to take photos.

Pope Francis Elementary School vice-principal Rosemary Rosso said it was an engaging way to drive the anti-bullying messaging home.

“One little friend, he came up to me and he was just giving me big thumbs up and he said, ‘That was awesome!’ So, it was just cute. They loved the whole experience,” said Rosso.

“The fact that that was brought to the north and brought to our students was just incredible.”

“It’s probably one of the most impactful bullying-awareness presentations they’ll ever experience and, more so, one of the most memorable,” said Fiduccia.

“They’ll never forget the day ‘Optimus Prime’ and ‘Bumblebee’ came to their school.”

Some area schools did not approve of Fiduccia’s visit so an open-to-the-public event was also organized Wednesday evening by Optimus is Here and D.A.R.E.

Fiduccia and Optimus are at TimminsCon from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to – 4 p.m. on Sunday and courtesy of D.A.R.E. each paid admission to the convention will received a free photo opportunity with Optimus. Admission is free for children two-years or younger, $5 for children 3-12 and under and $10 for everyone 13-years or older.

For more information on TimminsCon, visit the Northern Ontario Expo’s Facebook page.