From the Optimist Club of Haldimand
Next round of Redi for Optimism in Our Community grant applications opens August 1
CAYUGA—Wow, what a year it has been for the youth of Haldimand County thanks to the excellent support of individuals, businesses, and the Optimist Club of Haldimand!
We thank all of you for your unwavering support by providing your time, talent, or treasure this past year. Through our joint efforts, the youth and children had several opportunities they might not have otherwise had and therefore their future may be brighter. With a brighter future for our youth, it bodes well for a brighter future for all of our communities.
In the past year we have once again been able to increase our support to our annual philanthropy. The Haldimand Soccer Club, Campfire Camp, Legion, and Central Ontario Leadership Seminar (COLS) were all supported.
The COLS program is unique. This three-day seminar happens at the University of Waterloo. Grade 10 students from southwestern Ontario are mentored in leadership and it provides a positive avenue to hob nob with experts and create friendships, all at zero cost to them. There are hundreds who attend this.
The 2024 Academic and Trades Scholarships were received by two students from McKinnon Park Secondary School. Roshane is attending college to become a plumber and Ryan is attending university for a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Our Redi for Optimism in Our Communities (ROOC) grants were awarded to three applicants: the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, administrated by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation EarlyOn program; the Jarvis Light Up Night; and the Youth Cooking Program, taught at St. John the Divine in Cayuga.
The first two programs placed importance on reading and encouraged use of this skill. The last program centred on slow cooker recipes to create nutritious meals. Each youth received a slow cooker, necessary utensils, and bowls to keep. Food was provided for the lessons and also for taking home to be cooked for their families.
The funds awarded were from $2,900 to $3,500 each. Our ROOC Grants had a significant impact on funding these programs, which offered opportunities for youth in our communities.
We are very pleased to once again announce the Call for Proposals for the 2025 ROOC grants.
Applications will be available from August 1 to September 1. The successful applicants will be notified by October 1. These grants are directed at programs that serve the youth/children of Jarvis, Hagersville, Caledonia, and Cayuga areas.
All application requests and submissions must be submitted to haldimandoptimists@gmail.com. You may request via email an application package, containing the application and a help book, prior to August 1, but please note that all materials will be sent out August 1. The maximum value of each grant is $3,500.
Support of our Krispy Kreme fundraising, toll/parking lot crossings, bucket drives, fish fry, and corporate support – monetary or “in kind” – make all of this possible. We look forward to your support in the coming year with great appreciation.
Our next event is on the Friday of Labour Day weekend at Cayuga Foodland and then our Krispy Kreme event is on October 11. All of these events are or will have details at facebook.com/OptimistClubofHaldimand. There is great information about our club in general there, and how to join our club as well. We are growing and it feels great to be a part of this!
Optimist Club of Haldimand: Supporting Youth for a Brighter Tomorrow by Providing Opportunities Youth Might Not Otherwise Have.
