Letters to the editor are testimony of an Optimist Club's service

Testimonials are an effective promotion for Optimist Clubs and often they come in the form of letters to the editor written and published in local newspapers. Following is a thank you letter for the Optimist Club of Barrie, Ontario from the president of the Candlelighters of Simcoe, Ontario.

Thanks to Optimists for Candlelighters Simcoe party

BARRIE - Optimist Club of Barrie volunteers have touched the lives of families of children with cancer for the last eight years by providing a spectacular Christmas party for the Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer organization.

Despite a winter storm, 130 parents, children and volunteers participated in an amazing afternoon of activities including crafts, music, balloon creations, food and gifts from Santa who made the trek through snow and ice. We would like to make special mention and thanks to all the Optimist Club volunteers, Adrian Wood the balloon man, Peggy and Ted from Running Shoes musical entertainment and to some very special Candlelighters Simcoe volunteers who did an amazing job on the Christmas crafts. 

It is always heartwarming to see new families arrive somewhat uncertain about the event but by the end of the afternoon be smiling, making new friends and enjoying themselves immensely. We appreciate these caring and compassionate volunteers who have brought a shining light to families of children with cancer at a difficult time in their lives. 

Barbara Johnson, President, Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer    

Candlelighters, now known as The American Childhood Cancer Foundation, were formed forty years ago by parents of children affected by cancer. Their goal is to "light the way" and provide support, information, advocacy and childhood cancer research. Optimist Clubs often choose to partner with the local Candlelighters group as their Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign recipient.