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WHAT ARE WE CELEBRATING?
When the organization became Optimist “International” in 1919, all existing clubs were in the United States. The first international club was formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1924. Now, Optimism has spread through 26 countries around the world, and our international impact grows every day. Our committee’s vision is to bring the message of 100 years of international service to every community and district throughout the 2023-2024 year.
The Optimist International Canadian Centennial Committee wants to engage every club in celebrating what we’ve accomplished in the last century!
We encourage your club to have your own 100th Anniversary Celebration! What about a Club birthday party on your charter date? Or get members to share 100 Acts of Kindness. Donate 100 books to a local library (with a sticker that it comes from your club). Do a writeup for the local newspaper about your club and how we are an international organization. Collect 100 toys for children or 100 school backpacks. Invite 100 community leaders/volunteers to an event such as a barbecue or dinner to begin a creative dialogue about community service. The possibilities are endless and do not need to be expensive to be successful! It can be as big or as small as your club chooses, but the consistent message is, "Our Club is celebrating being a part of Optimist International's 100 years of service internationally."
This is a great marketing opportunity for clubs! By involving and supporting other community causes, you are engaging future members, developing future partnerships and spreading our Optimist name in communities.
Niagara Falls Canada 2024 is going to be an opportunity for all clubs, districts and nations to come together to CELEBRATE 100 years of our international service. We will share more with you in the coming months. For now, we urge all Clubs to create an event or project and encourage you to share how you are going to celebrate this Optimist International milestone!
Yours in Optimism,
Sandy Larivee, Chairperson, Canadian Centennial Committee
Commitee members: Dave Bruns, Robert Doyle, Marc Roy, Darcy Walsh, John Ruth, Dianne Josling, Danielle Dupont, Bonnie Sheer-Porteus, Carrol Paquet, Bill Campbell, President Tracy Huxley, Rod McKendrick, Michelle Stokes, Lyle Merriam
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