The second of two Awesome Ottawa awards for March goes to Patricia Oliveira to support new mesh nets for basketball courts across the city.

“Mesh Up Ottawa is a community-based initiative run entirely by volunteers,” says Patricia, “dedicated to improving local courts and supporting community organizations through sports and teamwork.”

“We focus on basketball courts,” she continues, “especially in equity-deserving neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Our efforts include installing mesh nets on hoops, donating basketballs and water bottles, and cleaning the parks as a team.”

“While volunteering with Shelter Movers Ottawa,” she says, “I saw a basketball court that needed improvement. I decided to return in summer to put up new nets. Along the way, I gathered volunteers from Helping with Furniture, and we haven’t stopped since. My goal is to create positive change through meaningful actions, because even the smallest initiatives can make a big difference in the community.”

Patricia is the founder of Mesh Up Ottawa.