Impact Story | Aaron Ropp

Finding Somewhere To Invest & Serve

Aaron Ropp is a 23-year-old university student from Edmonton, Alberta. Having played soccer for his entire life despite a series of recent injuries, he was drawn to TeamUp’s work a year ago because of its use of sport for the benefit of “underserved communities.”

“I know the impact and joy that soccer has personally brought to my life,” Aaron explains, “and I think it’s amazing being able to help and share that with communities… based off their needs.” Aaron also loves the fact that TeamUp allows him to take part in something bigger than himself.

Running a two-day sports camp for children with disabilities in San Quintin, Mexico last summer, for example, was a highlight both of his summer and of his time with TeamUp so far. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they played sports for the first time in their lives was an experience that he will never forget.

On a local level, Aaron has also been considerably involved with TeamUp projects at Burnaby’s Edmonds Community School, the most notable of which was a three-week sports camp that he also helped run in the summer of 2023.

In addition to serving with TeamUp on both the national and international levels, Aaron Ropp has committed himself to being one of TeamUp’s monthly donors. Asked what prompted him to make this choice, his response was short and sweet: “Because I believe in their mission, and I believe… in not only giving my time but [also] my resources.”

He describes TeamUp’s overall impact on his life as twofold in nature. Not only has he found it to be a consistent source of joy in his life; he has also experienced it as a long-awaited outlet for service. In his own words, “TeamUp has allowed me to lean into serving in something that I actually believe in.”

Notably, the impact has not stopped with him as he has inspired multiple family members and friends to join the impact both financially and otherwise. In each of these cases, he has observed an initial phase of discomfort give way to the joy and growth that always follow the choice to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

Written By:

✍️ Sacha Mugisha, May 5, 2024

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