It is with pleasure that  I share an update of the activities that have kept our members busy during the winter months. Serving the youth in our community is always heartwarming and brings out the best in Optimists members and the youth.

 

1) A donation of $13,000 was made to the Red Deer Reading College, held at Glendale School. In attendance were a variety of leaders and influencers from the Red Deer Public School Foundation and Trustees, members of the Optimist Club or Red Deer and Grade 3 students. The students rose to the occasion to make this a special event. 

2) Members of the OCORD were invited by the  Principal of Fairview ElementarySchool, Mrs. Teresa Tataryn to receive a donation in the  amount of $210.  Our club has been  supporting the school financially and In Kind over the past number of years. Mrs. Tataryn’s goal is to teach her wonderful students the value of giving back, and it is an honor to accept their generosity. Thank you very much, the money has been earmarked for the Bike Bunker Project. 

3) The  OI Essay and Oratorical Scholarship programs guided by Optimist International have been supported by our club for a number of years. This year we received 7 essays submitted from high school students and 2 oratorical applications. These programs are extremely valuable for the development of our youth. It always amazes me the quality of students the scholarship contests attract. The winning essay is submitted to the District to compete for a $2500 scholarship and the oratorical contestants compete at the District level for $2500, $1500 and $1000 scholarships respectively. This year’s District Oratorical contest is held right here in Red Deer on May 3rd.

4) In February the club held a Sponsorship Appreciation event as a way to thank our incredible sponsors. Thank you so much to the following sponsors, Cash Casino, Hugh and Carol Kellough, Rick Preece, Cam Clarke Ford, Cooper Roofing, Turple Bros., Riverbend Recreation Area, Stems Flowers and Cafe, Border Paving. It’s with support from our community members who help us help the youth.

5) Member spotlight this quarter were long time member Neil Walls and founding member Glenn Turple. Thank you for all you do for the youth in our community.

6) The Bike Bunker Report – 35 bikes have been given out to youth this year. Sixty three more will be given out this quarter to Fairview Elementary School.Approximately another 20 bicycles are ready to go and 20 waiting to be repaired. A huge thank you to Optimist member Ken Williamson and his stellar bike crew who worked all winter to make this happen.

 

Here’s brief summary of what lies ahead:

 

1) April 16, Sixty three bicycles will be delivered to Fairview Elementary School. 

2) May 2 &  3, the AMS&NW District Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn South on Gasoline Alley. This is where Optimists from AB, SK, MT and N Wyoming come together to learn, share ideas, create companionship and have fun in an effort to better serve the youth in our communities. This year’s main event as mentioned previously is the District Oratorical contest where 6 youth will be vying for 3 scholarships. The winning contestant will go on to the World Regionals held in July to compete for additional scholarships. 

3) August 17 is the Optimist Club of Red Deer 4th Annual Duck Race, held at Discovery Canyon, Riverbend Recreation Area. This is one of our major fundraisers. Stay tuned for additional details.

 

I am extremely proud to be a member of the Optimist Club of Red Deer and the Optimist organization. Our goal is to not only serve the youth today, but to make a difference in their journey of life.

Each day I strive to live my life by the Optimist Creed, found on the home page of our website.

 

Yours in Optimism

Les Trevor, President, OCORD2