By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—The Optimist Club of Haldimand (OCH) has partnered with Stubbe’s Redi Mix Concrete in Ohsweken to offer “Redi for Optimism in Our Communities” (ROOC) grants.
OCH is one of two Optimist Clubs in Haldimand, with Optimist Club of Dunnville serving the Dunnville area and OCH serving the remainder of the county.
This is the inaugural year for the ROOC grant. Paul Gross of OCH explains, “Due to COVID, we needed to find an alternative way to find groups to support other than in-person meetings…. We therefore created a grant process where the most information could be gathered safely and in a manner where the applicant was able to shine.”
The online application process was open from August 1 to September 1, 2022. The program is intended to support initiatives that do not receive county, provincial, or federal funding. Gross says, “We believe in providing opportunities that the youth/children would not have otherwise had except for our funding.”
Recipients of the 2022 ROOC Grants are: Rainham Central Public School (RCPS) Bike Rodeo; Jarvis Light Up – Jarvis the Elf and Friends; and the Haldimand Public Libraries Young Adult Role Playing Game Session (Dungeons and Dragons).
The Bike Rodeo at RCPS is benefitting from a $3,500 grant. The event is planned for May 2023 and Principal Nancy Norton says, “We are very excited!”
She describes the Bike Rodeo as an opportunity for kids and their parents to learn about bike safety at four stations: helmet fitting; bike fitting; wheel shop/repairs; and safety rules.
Eighty bike helmets will be provided for the children attending. Norton says the event is open to the Fisherville community with a focus on children and their safety. She asserts, “Having a helmet properly fit is so important.”
The Bike Rodeo aligns with the RCPS focus on the environment, physical activity, and wellness.
Norton explains of the event, “This connects to all the things we’re passionate about here. The grant will allow us to provide the opportunity and resources our community needs to engage in physical activity safely. It’s a game changer and we are grateful for this support.”
Jarvis Light Up is just around the corner and a highlight will be Jarvis the Elf and Friends. A $2,500 grant will go toward a song book produced and distributed by The Haldimand Press to schools and some businesses, along with prizes for the scavenger hunt in which children search for and record where they have found things hidden by Jarvis the Elf.
Elf Lisa says, “It’s awesome to have the Optimists supporting us. It means that we can include kids not just in Jarvis but outreach to other schools with the song book.”
She adds, “It’s a free event and all inclusive. It brings joy!”
New Elf in Training Kristy agrees and is eager to be involved in this year’s festivties. She says, “I love helping kids and giving back to people!”
In previous years, more than 800 children have participated in Jarvis the Elf and Friends activities.
There will be a grand prize draw as well; in 2021 the grand prize was a weekend for a family at the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. Elf Lisa says, “Stay tuned for news of the big award.”
The Haldimand Public Library’s Young Adult Role Playing Game Session featuring Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) began as a successful pilot project at the Dunnville branch. It will be offered in the Caledonia and Jarvis Branches with support from a $1,135 ROOC grant.
Library CEO Paul Diette explains, “Dungeons and Dragons sessions will give young residents with great imagination a creative outlet while at the same time they acquire many valuable skills that role playing offers.”
The grant will enable the Library to contract an experienced gaming organization whose coordinator will present four monthly D&D sessions at the Caledonia and Jarvis branches. Each four-hour session will accommodate four to eight young adults.
According to Diette, “It is expected that after four facilitated sessions, participants will have gained a sound knowledge of game rules and strategy nuances, enabling them to continue playing independently at the library.”
The ROOC grant will be used for the cost of the facilitator as well as the purchase of two sets of game supplies, instructional texts, and refreshments for participants. The program will be launched in January 2023 and run for four months initially. After that, library hosted sessions will run for as long as there is interest.
This type of community funding is appreciated as Diette says, “The Library’s programming budget is very limited and must cover the costs of sessions and events held for all ages: children, youth, adults, and seniors. In order to expand our offerings, support from community groups like the Haldimand Optimists is crucial.”
Earlier this year, an OCH grant allowed for the purchase of five sets of video-making accessories – including a portable green screen for filming, a tripod, and a ring light – for the Hagersville, Jarvis, Selkirk, Cayuga, and Caledonia locations. A set for the Dunn-ville branch has been made possible by a donation from the Friends of the Dunnville Library. More details on this program will be shared when it is launched at a later date.
OCH is appreciative of the support of Stubbe’s Redi-Mix to create the ROOC grants.
According to Gross, “They chose us because they believe the Optimist Clubs have a system that is very efficient and timely in getting funds to the youth and children in a community. They are appreciative that every dollar given will be given to vetted and worthy causes in a transparent and accountable process.”
Gross continues, “The general and business community has always provided great support to the Optimist Club of Haldimand through fundraisers and individual donations.”
With ongoing support, the Optimists will continue to fulfill their motto: provide opportunities to youth today so they might see the possibilities of tomorrow.
