Junior Optimists donate to Koala Place

Shawna O'Neill, TC Media 
Junior Optimists donate to Koala Place
Members of the Junior Optimist Club presenting Diane Plourde

CORNWALL, Ontario – Members of the Junior Optimist Club of Cornwall showed their empathy and volunteerism for youth in our city on Wednesday, Oct. 17. 

Junior members donated a large bag of teddy bears to Diane Plourde, Executive Director of Victim Services of SDG & A and Koala Place, during the club’s meeting. Knitted blankets were also donated by Warm Up Cornwall.

“When police or Children’s Aid Society (CAS) workers book an interview with a child, every child can select a stuffed animal when they go in (to Koala Place),” said Plourde. “We are constantly replenishing our stuffed animals to be able to do this.”

“Blankets are a nice addition as it is getting cold,” added Plourde, who plans to lay out the blankets and teddy bears for families and children to select.

According to Cheryl Tourangeau, Junior Optimist Club Advisor, members purchased stuffed animals to be given to clients of Koala Place after planning what local organizations they wanted to give back to. Members range between the ages of 12 and 17, and their club is in its second year of existence.

“Instead of giving cash, they wanted to do something a little different,” said Tourangeau. “There’s nothing more comforting than having a nice stuffy to squeeze and cuddle up to. The kids were thinking of the kids.”

Plourde explained that Victim Services and Koala Place also accept donations of stuffed animals and blankets from the public.

“It brightens up a moment in time, during a difficult meeting…and it’s always appreciated,” said Plourde.

When Plourde attended the club meeting, she was happy to see the act of volunteerism amongst a younger generation.

“I saw them in action yesterday and I was very impressed,” said Plourde. “The fact they have a Junior Optimist Club, promoting volunteerism and doing good in the community from a young age.”

To find out more about the Junior Optimist Club of Cornwall, contact Tourangeau at cheryl.tourangeau@gmail.com or 613-362-3856.  

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