Happy to give

Did you know that Optimist Club members are happier giving away money than the groups that receive the assistance? Sometimes, and that certainly looks true in this great picture captured by the Halton Hills Optimist Club. 

In the photo, President Helen MacCormack presents a check for $1,570 to Jason Claringbold of the Halton Hills Mosquito Eagles Baseball team. Helen knows that her club's donation is helping young people develop into well-rounded adults by learning teamwork, sportsmanship and improving their physical wellness. 

More important, she knows that she and her fellow club members are serving their purpose of providing service to youth and community through the Optimist Club. That makes me smile too! How about you?

Photo courtesy of the Halton Hills Optimist Club.

Ontario youth gives back to the Optimist Club

Youths giving back to the Optimist Club, an organization dedicated to providing programs that benefit, recognize or involve children, must be on the upswing. This time it was Cohen Dunn in Arnprior, Ontario.

Cohen is participating in the "Who is Nobody" character education program at St. Joseph Academy. Among other things, the program helps children apply their own personal interests and abilities to provide service to a group or project in the community or world.

Because of their youth-oriented mission, Cohen chose to give back to the Arnprior Optimist Club. He held a yard sale and gave $131.25 to the Optimist Club.

Cohen is shown making the contribution to Optimist Club president Brad McKay.

Thanks for your consideration Cohen!

Photo credit: Derek Dunn

Pledge to make a difference

Sometimes, service clubs are needed to start a movement. The Optimist Club of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, is hoping that their pledge to raise $10,000 for the Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation will start such a movement in their community.

The movement: to bring new equipment and technology to their community in order for children and other residents to lead healthier lives.

The Optimist Club has pledged to raise this amount of money over the next four years by hosting fundraising events that will involve the community. The first event is a four-on-four hockey tournament on February 9. It's an opportunity to see good, old-fashioned Canadian hockey, claim the organizers.

"The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital's New Age of Care Campaign is bringing in equipment and technology that will impact everyone. We are so pleased that the members of the Optimist Club share our vision and have supported our cause," states Jory Pritchard-Kerr, Executive Director of the Hospital Foundation.

By starting with the amount they can handle, and promising to do more, the Optimist Club of Collingwood is making a difference and inspiring others to make a difference too. Read more about the project at Simcoe.com.

Orangeville Optimist Club to light up Kay Cee Gardens

Following its annual tradition, the Optimist Club of Orangeville, Ontario is decorating for "Christmas in the Park" at Kay Cee Gardens and the Broadway Median Downtown. Since they work on a nonprofit budget, this year, they went to Facebook to find a little help.

They are asking for donations of strings of lights in order to ensure this year's displays are extra special.

Simple request, eh? If you can help, please leave the Orangeville Optimist Club a message on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OrangevilleOptimists) or call 1-866-998-1499.

Christmas in the Park opens on December 7. Opening ceremonies will commence at 7:30 p.m.

Kay Cee Gardens in located Between Bythia Street and John Street, Orangeville, ON

The Windsor Optimist Youth Band delights audiences

We often hear of Optimist Clubs supporting bands, but this is the first that I've heard of an Optimist Youth Band. Supported by the Optimist Club of  Downtown Windsor, Ontario, the band recently gave a performance for the Charlie Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain.

The Windsor Optimist Youth Band has been performing for 46 years. Entirely run by volunteers, the band members range from 10 to 22 years of age. They have traveled to Germany, Baltimore, Calgary and Florida to perform in just the last ten years. According to the band's co-chairs, the opportunity to travel, please others through music and learn the basic morals of discipline, teamwork and personal development are the reasons often given for joining the group.

Everyone is welcome to join the Windsor Optimist Youth Band. Practice happens every Saturday morning, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Remington Park Community Centre, 2720 Lillian Avenue, Windsor.

The next performance for the group will be on August 4 at 11:00 a.m. for the Amherstberg 1812 Bicentennial Parade.

Canada Day with the Summerside Optimists

This isn't going to be a very reflective post. I just happened to see this video on YouTube and thought that I should share it with our readers here at Experience Optimism.

Outside of the United States, the largest number of Optimist Clubs can be found in Canada. There are a great number of projects that we do that are alike. However, due the provincial government, I've also noticed that some projects get a bit of a twist to fit into a Canadian model.

But one thing that remains the same is the opportunity for our Optimist Clubs to celebrate our nations' heritage. In Canada, that day is called "Canada Day" and it happens annually on July 1. This video is a three-minute look at how the Summerside Optimist Club in London, Ontario celebrated Canada's birthday this year. Enjoy.

 

The puck drops to eradicate childhood cancer

We often read about Johns Hopkins Research Hospital and the Optimist International Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign on this blog, but what we usually don't say is that our Canadian Optimist Clubs do not donate to that effort.

Instead, the clubs in Canada support a campaign that keeps the money raised in Canada. Donations received pass through the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation and on to the hospitals, research universities or families as designated by the contributing club.

This photo, provided by the Vanier Optimist Club in the Eastern Ontario District - Optimist International was an opportunity to explain that small difference with the junior hockey team, the Cumberland Bandits, giving their support to the cause.

In the special fundraising event on February 25, all proceeds from the door were donated to the Eastern Ontario fund to help build awareness of the disease and provide support to: children diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer; families and care partners of children with cancer; healthcare and service providers; and research for cancer.

Unfortunately the Bandits lost the game, 5-6 to the Vankleek Hill Cougars, but everyone who participated left a winner knowing they had contributed to an important cause.

Thank you to the Vanier Optimist Club for the picture and story. 

Support for swim programs

Baby, it's cold outside! It's a good thing this swimming pool is indoors and thanks to a $5,000 donation from the Southport Optimist Club in Port Elgin, Ontario, the children will learn to be safe and keep others safe through the Swim to Survive program.

As part of their continuing support of the swim program in Port Elgin, the club also sponsored the 27th Annual Southport Optimist Short Course Swim Meet on November 19 -20.  In the youth appreciation fashion promoted by Optimist Clubs, it was a fun meet, with each and every child receiving a medal, ribbon, prize and great memories.

Thanks to  Kevin Larson of the Breakers Swim Team for sharing the story. 

Along with other optimistic pursuits, character matters

Today, I'm happy to share an @Twitter story - that's a story that drew my attention from a tweet.

The tweet came from Town Councillor @MaddieDiMuccio of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. She said, "The Optimist Club of #Newmarket's mandate is to 'bring out the best in kids' and they need volunteers." 

Her tweet included a link to the Newmarket Optimist Club's website where I found a list of 23 individuals who bring chess, fishing and golf, among other things to the children in Newmarket. They share their positive vision through the Optimist Creed and they engage with the community in person and with links from their website to the town of Newmarket, including hotels, motels, restaurants, city services, libraries and schools. 

From a link on their website, I could see that they actively support the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Air/Sea Cadets and Navy League and the Southlake Regional Health Centre. 

But what I liked most was this link: Character Matters. The Newmarket Optimist Club works with the schools in their community to instill good character traits in their students. They believe, "With a solid foundation of moral principles, children will mature and go on to achieve their goals yet still be capable of helping others achieve theirs. The net effect is a world that's a happier, better place to live." 

Visit the Newmarket Optimist Club  online or in person and find out how they inspire and instill in young people these valuable traits:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Empathy
• Fairness
• Initiative
• Perseverance
• Integrity
• Courage 
• Optimism

Most important, find out how you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of the children in your community by becoming an Optimist Club member and volunteer today.

The Newmarket Optimist Club meets semi-monthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at the Optimist Hall, 56 Forhan Drive.

Celebrating 50 years

On June 12, 1961, thirty-nine men came together to form the Optimist Club of Arnprior, Ontario.

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, the community came together to celebrate the club's 50 year anniversary. 

Over the years the Arnprior Optimist Club has given, by a conservative estimate, at least $2 million to the community. They support schools for academics and sports, participate in graduation exercises, assist children with special needs, sponsor hockey, dance and wrestling clubs among many others. 

In the community they participate in the Winter Carnival, Bike Rodeo, Canada Day and built the Optimist Baseball Diamond. Currently, the Arnprior Optimist Club has pledged to raise $100,000 for the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital Partners in Caring Campaign. 

President Robbie Burton remarked during his formal presentation, "We should all be proud." Yes they should. 

Special recognition went to long-serving members including Charter Members Lorne Bretzlaff, John Scardino and Peter McLaughlin.

Shown in the picture are Arnprior Mayor David Reid and Arnprior Optimist Club president Robbie Burton.

Photo credit: John Carter, YourOttawaRegion.com

Should service clubs invest in real property?

When one hears that we are "building a new Optimist Club," it is easy to imagine a brick and mortar establishment where members, friends and guests may gather. One might even keep imagining and assume that the reason people would gather there would be to share positive thoughts, optimistic stories, and projects and programs that would improve the quality of life in a community.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. Most Optimist Clubs do not have their own building and they choose to meet in restaurants, libraries, churches and other public places that have inexpensive or free gathering spots.

With greater acceptance of online communities, virtual Optimist Clubs are only a breath away, I'm sure; but I have to admit that while I enjoy my online time, and I have a lot of it, I also enjoy gathering in person, with friends, and new and old acquaintances. So when I see stories like the one I found today from Dunnville, Ontario  "Optimist Club raising the roof, and more", I wonder why more clubs have not made an investment in their community in the form of real property.

Boys and Girls Clubs do it. YMCAs do it. Elks Clubs do it. Some Optimist Clubs do it and do it well. Consider the multi-million dollar Optimist Youth Sports Complex developed by the Boise Noon Optimist Club and the City of Boise. With fifteen football fields, tennis courts, fishing pond, playground equpment picnic areas, concession stands and bathroom facilities, and plans to add more amenities, the Optimist Club has made a significant investment in the community and made themselves a key player in the quality of life of the Boise community.

More Optimist Clubs should do this. More service clubs should assist their communities in development and  redevelopment efforts. Although small, quick and easy projects will always touch my heart best, I believe our communities would benefit from service club-driven economic development efforts. By joining together with friends to create and maintain new facilities, we share dreams, ideas and responsibility for making the world - our world - a better place to live.

Photo credit: City of Boise, Department of Parks and Recreation

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. 

Trick or treat through the ages

The Windsor Police Department and the Optimist Club of Windsor, Ontario are planning to treat the tricksters this weekend with more candy than they can handle at the 28th Annual Halloween Party. The party is held every year at the Windsor Community Recreation Center. 

The focus is on safety with lots of fun and candy included. The event began in 1982 as a way to keep children off the streets.  According to police chief John Michaels, "The event is a fun and safe alternative to walking the streets of Windsor, and because it is indoors, there is no need to create a costume big enough to fit over those bulky winter coats." 

As a bonus and a tribute to the great success of the event, they are now privileged to see children of their first participants coming for the fun. In fact, the whole community looks forward to the event. 

How about a tractor pull?

Here is an example of another fundraiser conducted by an Optimist Club: A Tractor Pull.

The Norwich Optimist Club in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, puts on this event every year. According to club president Laura Barker it's an event for the community, by the community.  Local support is what makes this two-day fundraising event fun and successful. With more than 1,000 spectators and participants in 20 classes, it really is a friendly activity for the family.

Some tractors come straight out of the field to participate. Others prepare for the competition for months in advance. All help raise money to support the youth-oriented projects in the community.

Activities like this unite the community in fun and service.  In addition to the Tractor Pull, Norwich Optimist Club is well-known for their bicycle safety program, Easter and Christmas events, and donations to parks and playgrounds. 

Thanks to the Norwich Optimist Club for the story.

Car Show, Bed Races and other family fun in Bothwell, Ontario

Another Saturday, another car show and this one looks big and profitable!

This weekend the Optimist Club of Bothwell and District, Ontario, Canada are the hosts to the 19th annual Old Autos Car Show. More than 10,000 people are expected along with as many as 1,600 cars. According to Optimist spokesperson Larry Wolf many of the cars are for sale.

Along with the car show there is a old car parts swap meet with 370 vendors and the Bothwell Optifest that includes family fun activities like the annual bed race in Victoria Park.

The Bothwell Volunteer Firefighters' Association also benefits from this community event. They sell 50-50 raffle tickets and split the prize with a lucky winner.  In past years, that has been as much as $16,000.

Good luck and have fun!  I sure hope they send some pictures of the Bed Races.  :) 

Optimist Club launches Rhythm and Ribs Festival

The Optimist Club of Erin,Ontario is planning a new event for their community this year: the Rhythm and Ribs Festival. They hope that thousands will turn out for the event; however, according to the organizing committee it is has not been planned as a fundraiser, but rather as a celebration of McMillan Park, 109 N. Main Street, that opened up in the downtown core last year.

Rhythm and Ribs will feature ribs from three local restaurants, Bistro Riviere, Dave's and What's Cookin', a beer garden and arts booths. Plus nine bands will perform over the two day period

The Erin Optimist Club and other associations were involved in developing the park and see the event as a way to celebrate the community. Rhythm and Ribs will take place August 14-15, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bike "Roadeo" in its 37th year

The Lindsay Optimist Club of Ontario performed the 37th Annual Bike Roadeo for children on May 1.  The "Roadeo" offers safety demonstrations and also gives a little competition with an obstacle course.

Firemen were on hand to help with helmet fitting and police officers assisted with bike safety checks.  Helmets were given to children who were without or who had ill-fitting ones.  Six bicycles were given away and every participant, 97 in all, were given bike-related prizes to take home.

An awesome thing about a bike rodeo is the ability to involve children of all ages.  Shown here is fire prevention officer Tim Woodrow.  Submitted picture and story.  

Donate to your Optimist Club

How awesome is this?  Mr. Donald MacDonald of Oakville, Ontario Canada just became a multi-millionaire.  He won $10 M in the Lotto Max Canadian lottery. 

First on his list of things to do:  Go to Europe.  Second:  Donate to the Optimist Club. 

Congratulations Mr. MacDonald and thank you for thinking of the organization and people who work so hard to bring out the best in children.  Your donation will make a difference.
See the full article here.

Arnprior Optimist Club coordinates Winter Carnival for community

The Optimist Club of Arnprior, Ontario has just completed their 29th Annual Winter Carnival.  This is a major event for the community and a major fundraiser for the Optimist Club. 

As the producer of the event, the Arnprior Optimist Club oversaw a wide range of children and family activities that included:

• Public Skate and Obstacle Race
• Air Bounce Activities
• Puppet Shows, 
• Musical Perfomances
• Talent Show
• Hockey Tournament
• Community Hall 
• Bake Sale and Auction
• Free Skate and Free Swim

All activities were low and no cost for participants. 

About 10,000 people live in the city of Armprior and they were out in full force to celebrate with the Optimist Club.

Ambitious plan for London Optimist Club

The Optimist Club of London, Ontario is in the soccer business. The wild popularity of this sport has prompted them to move from their current facility located in an industrial park to a more visible and accessible location near the fairgrounds. The new facility willl increase their ability to host more children in the soccer program, but it couldn't be done without the collaboration of the Canadian government, the Provincial government, the City of London and the Optimist Club. Each have promised more than $1 million dollars to the project.

This is one way that Optimist Clubs contribute to the quality of life and economic vitality of a community. Good luck to the London Optimist Club and the London community. 

Click here for video.