On this special day, the  Canadian Children’s  Optimist Foundation (CCOF) would like to thank its many volunteers, whether they are members of the Board of Directors, District or Club Foundation representatives. We are grateful to all those who contribute to the success of our organization and help us achieve our mission:

‘Investing today for the future of our youth by seeking and managing funds through collaboration with Canadian Optimist Clubs and their communities, by supporting clubs to create opportunities that will enhance quality of life, improve health and wellness, and inspire our youth.’

Where would our communities be without Optimist members! Where would CCOF be without the contributions of our members and clubs! The young people of our communities would be the big losers, of course!

Some of our volunteers told us why they give their time and energy to the Foundation. : 
– Louise Vézina Paque, East Quebec North Shore: I’ve always been involved in the optimist movement because it corresponds to my values and I believe in the mission of CCOF. I wanted to use my strengths to benefit the Foundation.  With Optimistes Francophones Canadiens, I wanted to take up the challenge of representing CCOF for the first year. 
– For Sylvie and Sylvain Couturier, Eastern Ontario: Representing CCOF  is very important to us! The money raised, whether through individual donations or various fundraising activities, goes to the young people in our communities. The contests are excellent ways for our young people to express themselves on different themes, while giving them the chance to win scholarships. Clubs can also benefit from grants to carry out projects for young people in their community.

CCOF is always looking for volunteers. Interested? Visit our web page at https://optimistfoundation.ca/get-involved/

The Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation received 12 applications for the 2022-2023 Club Grant Program. Several OCCF Past Presidents had the opportunity to review each of these applications and we are pleased to announce the following results. Four clubs have been awarded $1,000 grants. They are as follows:

 

Shakespeare Optimist Walking Path  with Optimist Club Of  Shakespeare 

 The goal is to develop walking trails that will be used to connect recently installed outdoor exercise equipment and provide a place for exercise and play for the nearby school. It will also provide a free meeting place for the residents of the small village and its rural community. 

 

Fire, Water and Ice Safety Program  with Optimist Club of  Ausable-Port Franks 

In partnership with the local fire department and the Sunset Community Grant Foundation, this project aims to provide an educational program on fire, water and ice safety to youth and their families living along the shores of Lake Huron. 

 

Family Day – Outdoor Event  with OptimistClub of  Ellice

The club will be offering a family fun day, an event that allows youth to showcase their talents and practise public speaking, build confidence and enjoy the outdoors. This event will be free. 

 

Youth Entrepreneurial Garden with Club Optimiste de Magog-Orford 

The objective of this project is to give vulnerable youth in the community the opportunity to understand the importance of eating well, consuming locally while developing their entrepreneurial spirit. They will benefit from workshops, farm visits and meetings with farmers. The youth will grow and sell the products they grow throughout the summer.  

We are happy to contribute to these clubs’ worthwhile projects that will enhance quality of life and inspire our youth.

 

Ann Richer-Doyle

CCOF President 

Ann Richer-Doyle

CCOF President

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2023, April 17-23, ‘Volunteering Weaves Us Together’. This theme emphasizes the importance of volunteering to build resilient and vibrant communities through our caring efforts. The many ways we share our time, talents and energy strengthen the fabric of our communities. The Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (CCOF) is a charitable organization that could not succeed without its many volunteers! They can be found on the Board of Directors, as members of the Foundation’s committees, and as representatives of the CCOF in clubs and districts!  We would like to thank each and every one of you who make a difference in the lives of Canadian youth! Thank you for all that you do!

And if you would like to join our great team of volunteers, I invite you to contact me at ann.richer-doyle@ccof-foec.org.

I would also like to take this opportunity to salute all the members of Optimist Clubs across Canada who are proud to work in their communities to offer a wide range of programs and projects that promote the development of young Canadians.

 

Ann Richer-Doyle
President – Canadian Optimist Children’s Foundation 2022-2023

To my colleague Optimist members,

I am proud to be serving as President of the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (CCOF) in 2022-2023. I have served on the Foundation’s board of directors since 2019 and my commitment to the organization continues to grow!

The theme I have chosen 2022-2023 is ‘Stronger Together’! Don’t we say that the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts!
The well-known African proverb states «It takes a village to raise a child». It underscores the importance of an entire community to provide for, and interact positively with, children and youth so that they live and grow in a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment. This proverb resonates loud and clear with Optimists in Canada and around the world! In the communities served by an Optimist Club, young people are offered a wide range of activities and programs that empower them and allow them to develop to their full potential. Over the past few years, I have seen the benefits of a wide range of community projects that have come to fruition through the Foundation’s programs. It is also heartwarming to receive messages of thanks from young people who can pursue post-secondary studies thanks to the scholarships we have awarded them!

Optimist International and Optimist Clubs are fortunate to be supported by their Foundations, both American and Canadian! While there are many challenges our communities will never control, it’s helpful and healthy to focus on what we can control – our commitment to supporting what matters most, today’s youth.

My goal this year is to increase awareness of the Foundation amongst clubs, members, and our communities in Canada. With your help, we can increase the impact we have on youth in our communities! We will be stronger together!

Ann Richer-Doyle
2022-2023 President,
Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation