Brady Vieira (4) Fundraises for EP Charity

Four year old East Providence preschooler learning a life lesson early:

“I like to help other kids who need it,” was the answer four-year-old Brady Vieira gave when asked why he held a hot chocolate stand last month to raise money for charity. “A lot of people came and gave money. I give it all to Mr. Sweeney,” Brady added. The benefactor of young Mr. Brady’s fundraiser is the Hope & Faith Drive, LLC which is a non-profit charity run by retired EP school maintenance worker, Carl Sweeney. Sweeney’s charity gives food, clothing, gifts, etc. to those in need throughout East Providence. This is the second year in a row that Brady and his parents, Cosmo and Lindsey Vieira, have held a hot chocolate fundraiser. “We thought of the idea last year to help Mr. Sweeney with Hope & Faith Drive because he does a lot for the community,” said Lindsey Vieira. “We decided it went well last year as we raised $535.00, so we wanted to exceed that this year. We advertised more and reached that goal before the hot chocolate stand actually began. Our total raised this year is $2,300 and is still growing.”

The Vieira’s send 100% of all donations directly to Sweeney’s charity. “A lot of people came by that we didn’t even know and donated. Some didn’t take a drink but made a donation. “We don’t list a price, rather we ask for any amount. People were and still are very generous.” This year the family added drink toppings, other treats and even sweatshirts which people bought. “We were overwhelmed with gratitude! This was Brady's 2nd Annual Hot Chocolate Stand to benefit a charity near and dear to our heart. Carl Sweeney Jr goes above and beyond for our Townie families and today it was our turn to return the favor,” said Lindsey Vieira. “I am proud to be a Townie and so thankful for our community that really showed up.”

The Reporter visited with Brady and his family after the event. “I like helping people and it was fun,” said Brady a few times when asked about the fundraiser. “I also had some hot chocolate and like to play sports,” he offered. Brady attends the East Providence Pre-K school as a Tiny Townie. “I marched in the Townie Parade and play baseball. The young pre-schooler attends the Townie Summer Baseball Camp and currently attends the ATC sports training facility.

Cosmo Vieira likes the example the family is teaching their son. “Aside from the monetary earnings, we hope to instill lifelong values into our son. Brady can be anything he wants to be, but kind is non-negotiable. We are extremely proud of him,” adds Vieira. “He has raised a lot of money for EP kids in need and we hope this is something he continues to do even when he is much older. We thank everyone that shared, donated, and came out to support this cause.”

East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva promoted and attended the event. “Congratulations to Brady and his family and friends who helped raise over $2300 at Brady’s Hot Chocolate Stand to benefit the families aided by the Hope & Faith Drive, LLC. Nicely done Brady.”

“Thank you, Brady, for your Hot Chocolate event to support Hope & Faith Drive. I couldn’t be prouder of your kindness and huge heart. The Hug you gave me topped off a very special & spectacular day. I also thank everyone for their donations and kindness. It’s so inspiring to us to know people truly believe in helping from their heart and trusting in us to help those in need,” said Carl Sweeney.

The Vieira family will continue to accept donations during this holiday season to benefit the Hope & Faith Drive. Donations can be sent via Cash app: $Lindseyohhh; Venmo: LindseyOldham or Zelle: cosmofresh76@gmail.com. 100% of donations go directly to this charity.

“It was very good hot chocolate,” said Brady Vieira.