The Optimist Club of Sydenham and District, and their Junior Optimist Club of Owen Sound and District invite community members to choose Optimism on February 4th, 2021! With the global pandemic continuing to affect the lives of people around the world, Optimists are choosing Optimism and encouraging others to focus on positivity wherever possible.

Optimist International has nearly 70,000 adult and youth members in about 2,500 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and throughout the world. Carrying the motto “Bringing out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves”, Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. Owen Sound and Meaford areas are fortunate to have both an adult and a Junior club serving the area!

The main focus for our clubs right now is fundraising for the Optimist Accessible Playground at Hibou Conservation Area, to be installed this May, 2021. Many thanks to community members for contributing to our fundraisers. We are especially grateful to our Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors, who are featured under “Hibou Conservation Area Playground Project” at greysauble.on.ca. All of this community support has brought much Optimism to our members and will benefit many children who will use this playground in the future. We are thrilled to have raised over 60% of the cost, and will keep working to reach our goal.

Both of our clubs continue to be creative in finding ways to fundraise and organize events to benefit youth, while keeping safety a top priority. The Junior club is currently organizing a Bicycle Safety Program for Newcomers and Youth. They are also working with the South Grey Junior Optimist Club to host photography and visual arts contests for young people. The adult club is hosting an Oratorical competition for youth. There are prizes to be won! We are seeking participants for all of these initiatives! For more information please contact Club President Katie Holovaci at 519 372-4782, or [email protected].

source: media release, Optimist Club of Sydenham and District