CORNWALL, Ontario – Optimist International is celebrating 100 years of striving to offer impactful services within communities.
To celebrate and give thanks to our community, Optimist Club members will be distributing signature blue cupcakes during the Cornwall Colts hockey game on Thursday, Feb. 7. Optimist Club President Terry Muir will also be making the honorary puck drop.
“One hundred years is a huge milestone,” said Muir. “There are a number of service clubs that have been around that long. It’s nice to see organizations still thriving…some organizations have lost a lot of members and shrunk in size…we’re lucky that (our organization) is alive and well, and growing.”
Servicing Cornwall for 71 years as of 2019, the Optimist Club has hosted several community events and fundraisers throughout the years. Some of the most notable, current initiatives include the Christmas Toy Drive, Easter Egg hunt, Youth Achievement Awards, Youth Cycling Safety Sessions, Pinewood Car Derby Races, Ribfest, the Snowsuit Fund, an essay competition and sporting ventures like Optimist Minor Softball and Optimist Floor Hockey.
“We also get heavily involved in things like Stuff The Bus, Stuff The Cruiser. Anything to help out; they’re all great initiatives,” said Muir.
Cornwall City Council officially proclaimed Feb. 7 as Optimist International Day.
“The Optimist volunteers have always demonstrated a true dedication to their community and most particularly to the future of our kids,” said Mayor Bernadette Clement in a press release. “I salute them on this special Optimist International Day but I am grateful to them all year long!”
Muir believes there will always be a need for youth activities in the city. He also believes that Cornwall is special when it comes to supporting their neighbours.
“This community has always been above average when there’s a need for something. You go out, you ask for support in this community and it’s fantastic. I find it’s even more when you’re working for kids. People are always willing to help kids out,” said Muir.
When Muir joined the club about five years ago, the Optimist Club creed sold him on the importance of volunteer efforts. He believes that the sentiments within the creed should be carried throughout everyone’s life, like sporting the same enthusiasm towards your own success as well as the success of others.
“It’s really how we should look at life right,” said Muir. “I mean, optimism is a great thing. Who doesn’t want to be optimistic? That’s what I’ve learned a lot of since joining this club.”
“If you’re interested in being a part of a great organization, be a part of a service club; hopefully the Optimist Club,” said Muir, who believes there are so many great ones to choose from. “Get out and volunteer.”
To find out more about the Optimist Club of Cornwall, visit optimistclubofcornwall.org.
