The 6 grants of the President’s Incentives

Since we also planned to offer grants as part of the President’s Incentives, we are also offering 6 grants of $300 to the following clubs.

 

13-105 

Optimist Club of Moosejaw 

 Optimist Field 

The purpose is to Increase accessibility by upgrading ramps to washrooms and walking paths in the City of Moosejaw. 

  
46-006 

 Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr 

 Ukrainian Newcomers Assistance Project 

The purposed is to welcome, integrate and assist families with children fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

 

  
46-145 

 Optimist Club of Mornington 

 Milverton All-Wheels Park  

The purpose of this project is to build an All Wheels Park for everyone to enjoy, especially kids, free, for three seasons of the year. 

 

  
46-925 

Optimist Club of Normanby 

 

 STEM 

The purpose is to expand the current STEM program led by students in the STEM Club to keep the older students engaged. 

 

  
47-145 

Optimist Club of Aurora 

 KIND (Kids in Need Delivered)  

This benevolent program is to help kids with needed supplies such as backpacks, shoes, winter clothes so that each student has what they need to be successful and self-confident in school. 

  
52-626 

Club Optimiste de St-Cyrille de Drummond 

 Development of the St-Cyrille Brassard Schoolyard Playground 

This project consists of three components for the development of the school yard including a multipurpose sports field and a small outdoor teaching facility. 

  

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 

 

The 4 winners of our Club Grant Program

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 

Denise Nacev joins the board of directors at CCOF

I am happy to announce that the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation has completed its selection process for the appointment of its new Board Member, who will start her term on Oct. 1, 2023.

Denise Nacev from the Central Ontario District was chosen to replace Past President Dianne Josling. She will begin a five-year term in October.

Denise brings a wide range of Optimist experience, and we look forward to her joining the Board. She has served in many Optimist roles during her tenure, including Governor and JOI Committee Chair. She also brings event management experience and a communications background.

 

Ann Richer-Doyle

CCOF President

Volunteering Weaves Us Together

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

CCOF modernizes its website

After proceeding with a trial period for issuing automatic donation receipts for online donations, the CCOF is modernizing its website by integrating several new functionalities both for the user experience (in this case, the donor who will have the possibility to have access to all his donations in a new dashboard) only for internal management. Little by little, the site is confirmed to be completed. We let you explore!

A few words from the CCOF new president

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