Club: Optimist Club of Prince Albert, SK, 13110
Project Name: Replace and Add School Playground Equipment
Goal(s) of the project: To allow children with special needs (wheelchair, autistic, CP, etc.) the ability to play outside the same way that the other children do.
Who is it for?: 500 children of all grades
Amount raised for the project: $28,000
Demonstrate the importance of the project: This project will give all the children in the school better play facilities and give the special needs children the opportunity to play with their peers. The playground is also a community playground, open to all in the city after school hours. This school has the Developmental program for the city of Prince Albert. Many children can use this facility.
Quantify the impact of the grant: n/a
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: The CCOF name and logo will be displayed in the playground and on all publicity.
Club: Club Optimiste de Ste-Julie, QC, 50789
Project Name: Computer Donations to Ste-Julie’s families
Goal(s) of the project: To provide twenty (20) recycled computers to families in need, in partnership with OPEQ (Ordinateurs pour les écoles du Québec) and to allow children’s development during these uncertain times.
Who is it for?: 20 families with at least one school-aged child
Amount raised for the project: $500
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Many families in our collectivity do not have a computer to use for their children’s development and to use the online programs supplied by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec. Schools in the Montreal area will be closed until September.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Increase the number of donated computers.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Advertising on the Club Optimiste de Ste-Julie Facebook page and on the DCQ website. Information sent to the Ste-Julie municipality.
Club: Generation XX Optimist Club, PEI, 45000
Project Name: The Generation We Want Conference
Goal(s) of the project: To promote / build youth civic engagement by providing a safe environment to express their voice along with developing leadership roles / skills.
Who is it for?: 150 youth at risk from 11 to 18.
Amount raised for the project: $60,000 for this conference comes from the government of Canada through Canada Service Corps. We anticipate $5,000 to $10,000 in costs not covered by the program.
Demonstrate the importance of the project: The project allows a safe environment for our youth to partake in conversation and express themselves within a community setting in order to create change for not only themselves but future generations as well. The project also enhances community connectedness.
Quantify the impact of the grant: To cover the cost of online advertising in order to promote upcoming conference as well as conversation development in regards to conference topics.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Various public announcements, online advertisements.
Club: Optimist Club of Prince Albert, SK, 13110
Project Name: Replace and Add School Playground Equipment
Goal(s) of the project: To allow children with special needs (wheelchair, autistic, CP, etc.) the ability to play outside the same way that the other children do.
Who is it for?: 500 children of all grades
Amount raised for the project: $28,000
Demonstrate the importance of the project: This project will give all the children in the school better play facilities and give the special needs children the opportunity to play with their peers. The playground is also a community playground, open to all in the city after school hours. This school has the Developmental program for the city of Prince Albert. Many children can use this facility.
Quantify the impact of the grant: n/a
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: The CCOF name and logo will be displayed in the playground and on all publicity.
Club: Club Optimiste de Ste-Julie, QC, 50789
Project Name: Computer Donations to Ste-Julie’s families
Goal(s) of the project: To provide twenty (20) recycled computers to families in need, in partnership with OPEQ (Ordinateurs pour les écoles du Québec) and to allow children’s development during these uncertain times.
Who is it for?: 20 families with at least one school-aged child
Amount raised for the project: $500
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Many families in our collectivity do not have a computer to use for their children’s development and to use the online programs supplied by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec. Schools in the Montreal area will be closed until September.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Increase the number of donated computers.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Advertising on the Club Optimiste de Ste-Julie Facebook page and on the DCQ website. Information sent to the Ste-Julie municipality.
Club: Generation XX Optimist Club, PEI, 45000
Project Name: The Generation We Want Conference
Goal(s) of the project: To promote / build youth civic engagement by providing a safe environment to express their voice along with developing leadership roles / skills.
Who is it for?: 150 youth at risk from 11 to 18.
Amount raised for the project: $60,000 for this conference comes from the government of Canada through Canada Service Corps. We anticipate $5,000 to $10,000 in costs not covered by the program.
Demonstrate the importance of the project: The project allows a safe environment for our youth to partake in conversation and express themselves within a community setting in order to create change for not only themselves but future generations as well. The project also enhances community connectedness.
Quantify the impact of the grant: To cover the cost of online advertising in order to promote upcoming conference as well as conversation development in regards to conference topics.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Various public announcements, online advertisements.
Club: Optimist Club of West Lorne, ON, 45257
Project Name: Miller Park Accessible Playground Equipment
Goal(s) of the project: To raise $200,000 funding for new accessible playground equipment.
Who is it for?: Children from 4 to 12 year-old, and all children confined to a wheelchair. There are 2,500 children in the surrounding area, and no accessible park in a 50 km radius.
Amount raised for the project: $188,000
Demonstrate the importance of the project: There is no accessible playground within a 50 km radius of West Lorne. This equipment will complement the Splash Pad, Picnic Shelter area and Skate board park that the West Lorne Club has raised funds for in the past. There are approximately 2,500 children in our area that will be served by this park.
Quantify the impact of the grant: To install cement sidewalks around the equipment for children in wheelchairs.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: We will have an official ribbon cutting ceremony and the major donors will be recognized. There will be a permanent sign erected displaying all of the donors.
Club: Club Optimiste de Ste-Thérèse, QC, 53857
Project Name: Let’s Clothe a Child
Goal(s) of the project: To clothe children at an evening event dedicated to these children. The Club plans to clothe 200 children in December 2020. We want this innovative project to grow bigger within our community. We want to help financially many low-income families with children. The actual health crisis makes this project even more important than usual for these families.
Who is it for?: Objective: 200 children
Amount raised for the project: We have raised $18,000 on an objective of $25,000/$30,000.
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Last year, we clothed 194 children from 0 to 17. Our two community organization partners referred many of these children to us, as they receive request for food aid and clothing. They acquired a good knowledge of local underprivileged families. We also clothed families referred by other local community organizations to our Club. We received some requests. We are limited by the funds raised, because the need is huge and we could increase the number of children helped.
Quantify the impact of the grant: The grant will allow us to clothe more children, which is our ultimate goal. In addition, the grant will assist in the cost of posters printed for the sponsors. It will also allow us to purchase gift for the silent auction or draw, which would help us obtain additional amounts. Any additional amount would have a direct impact of the clothed children.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: A poster will be printed to thank the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation contribution. In addition, our honorary president will stress the Foundation support and its mission. We will post on the Club Optimiste de Ste-Thérèse Facebook page to mention the CCOF support to our activity. During the event, the poster will be placed in a visible place. A picture of the event will be posted on our Facebook page.
Club: Club Optimiste de St-Jérôme, QC, 53775
Project Name: Opti-Roll St-Jérôme 2020-2021 (Scooter, skateboard & BMX)
Goal(s) of the project: Scooter, skateboard & BMX exhibition and competition, to support youth in their favorite sporting activities. These activities present a constant increase of popularity. They are unifying and low-priced.
Who is it for?: 200 children from 4 to 17, boys and girls.
Amount raised for the project: $2,500
Demonstrate the importance of the project: The city of St-Jérôme has 17 pre-school and elementary schools, and 6 high schools on their territory.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Cover printing cost of advertising. Hire qualified scooter, skateboard & BMX instructors. Purchase of scooters, skateboards & BMX. Emcee.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Communication: “In partnership with CCOF” printed on posters, written in newspaper, etc.. Radio. Mention by the event emc.
Club: Club Optimiste de Moncton-Dieppe, NB, 55519
Project Name: Hydroponic cultivation
Goal(s) of the project: To get science students from grade 10 and 11 to be more innovative in the science and technology field, more specifically in agriculture, while seeing direct results of their learning. This project supports skills development.
Who is it for?: 100 High school students (Grade 10-12)
Amount raised for the project: $1,750
Demonstrate the importance of the project: This project fits squarely in the grade 10 specific learning results, more specifically in sustainability of ecosystems (food chain, photosynthesis process, soil types, sustainable development and carbon cycle) and in chemistry, interaction of Periodic Table of the Elements, pH change and adjustment, chemical formulas). This year, the project will be more skills development oriented, i.e. communication, teamwork, mutual aid, innovation and even creative thinking, to resolves complex society problems.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Without this grant, this project will not be achieved, as we receive too many request from schools.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Poster of the CCOF logo beside the project. Publication of pictures of the students working on the project in the local newspapers. Post on Facebook to thank the CCOF. Post on the Francophone Sud School District of New Brunswick webs.
Club: Optimist Club of Mitchell, ON, 46136
Project Name: Opti Fun Days
Goal(s) of the project: To provide an opportunity for children and young people with challenges and their families to network in an inclusive, accessible environment while giving them an opportunity to socialize and experience and access activities available to groups.
Who is it for?: 75 to 100 challenged children and young adults ages 6 and up, and their families
Amount raised for the project: $875
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Families participate from all 4 corners of rural Huron and Perth Counties as no such other program or event such as this in our area. Families that participate in our Challenge Ball Program asked if we could do more to socialize and interact. From that request, Opti Fun Days has been developed.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Allow us to provide snacks and food to our Fun Days. Allow us to subsidize admission and/or transportation to an out of area special activity. Allow us to bring in some entertainment, i.e. Band Jam, an inclusive accessible interactive musical experience.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Facebook. Newsletters (our own, zone, and district). Newspaper.
Club: Club Optimiste de St-Modeste, QC, 55812
Project Name: Inauguration of the Youth Club
Goal(s) of the project: Opening of the youth club in October 2020. Visit of the premises. Stimulate in young people the desire to make it their own, create a sense of belonging. Make official the realization of a dream of the community, hoped for 10 years.
Who is it for?: 50 to 60 teens from 11 to 17 years old
Amount raised for the project: $200
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Meeting place for 50 young people (potential). An environment different from the family and the school; the young person discovers his talents, autonomy, sense of responsibility, self-confidence and creativity. Helps to train a citizen of tomorrow who is committed and respectful of differences. Helps young people discover the pleasure of commitment and volunteering.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Advertising, decoration (cardboard, paint, brushes, pens and pencils). Prizes for pumpkin and scarecrow decoration contests and costume contests. Candy bar, juice bar, snack material, music. Prizes for treasure hunts, competitive games, etc.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Social media (parish, school). Parish newsletter. Permanent display at the local. Written media (photos).
Club: Rainbow Optimist Club – Southwestern Ontario, ON, 45027
Project Name: Creating Digital Tools to Help Families Start a Conversation
Goal(s) of the project: To add new videos, resources and programing to Pride Understanding that families can use to start important conversations around acceptance and understanding. These tools will help families, schools and community groups start conversations early on around respect, accepting people for who they are, and increase awareness and understanding of those who are different. These resources will include:
The news videos: a) The Importance of Being an Ally; b) Pronouns.
Programming for each video will include: a) Intro video explaining the topic with notes on how to watch the video, key messaging to watch for, questions to ask; b) Follow-up video reiterating key message, questions to ask and activities families can do to keep the conversation going; c) Resources and links to further information will be added to the website.
Who is it for?: Resources are developed for children 12 and under. The tools are for families, schools and community organizations to use to start a conversation around acceptance and understanding. Our digital resources have reached upwards of 20,000.
Amount raised for the project: n/a
Demonstrate the importance of the project: During this pandemic, many of the community programs promoting acceptance and understanding have been cancelled or postponed. Early conversations are the key to increasing gender diversity literacy. LGBTQ people face higher risk for some mental health issues due to discrimination. LGBTQ youth face approximately 14 times the risk of suicide and substance abuse than their heterosexual peers. 77% of Trans respondents in an Ontario based survey had seriously considered suicide and 45% had attempted suicide.
Quantify the impact of the grant: To develop digital resources for families to help increase gender diversity literacy in their house with their children. This programing will also support schools, Optimists and other community groups who have been forces to support their community digitally.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: On Pride Understanding website. On Rainbow Optimist website. Special thank-you video. Logo at the end of videos.
Club: Club Optimiste de Rivière-du-Loup, QC, 55629
Project Name: “Make Your Dream Come True”
Goal(s) of the project: To support financially by defraying the costs of registration and/or equipment for sports, cultural or personal growth activities for young people aged 4 to 16 from modest income families. We will favour elementary school children first.
Who is it for?: 15 to 20 youth from 4 to 16 years old, conditional to financial success.
Amount raised for the project: $3,425
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Each year, the Optimist Club of Rivière-du-Loup gives 150 children from underprivileged families a $100 certificate for the purchase of clothing, shoes or sports equipment. These are the same children who do not have the chance to be part of a hockey team, take piano, karate, swimming or other lessons because the registration and/or equipment is too expensive. The objective would be to allow 15, 20 children to realize their dream.
Quantify the impact of the grant: The CCOF grant will directly help a certain number of children from disadvantaged families to be able to take part in a sports team (hockey, swimming), a personal growth activity (judo, karate), a cultural activity (piano, violin, and choir) or other through the payment of registration fees and/or equipment.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Informing parents and concerned organizations that this assistance is possible thanks to the help received from the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation. Publicly, a certain discretion is maintained out of respect for the families. Encouraging Optimist members to be generous to the CCOF.
Club: Club Optimiste de St-Épiphane, QC, 55706
Project Name: New Modular Games at the Municipal Recreation Park
Goal(s) of the project: To take part in a municipal intergenerational project, which is the realization of a municipal recreational park with aquatic games, modular games, but also sports infrastructures, such as tennis and volleyball.
Who is it for?: All of our school-aged children who don't really have a place to enjoy themselves under the supervision of their parents and grandparents (about 1,100 persons). There are about 85 young people attending the school and their families.
Amount raised for the project: $1,550
Demonstrate the importance of the project: In a municipal project worth a total of $1 million, the Optimists, with the help of the Foundation, want to leave their mark on the community. Modul'Air model Duplex costs $4,000, +tx. It is essential for our organization to take part in this beautiful intergenerational municipal project.
Quantify the impact of the grant: We hope to receive $2,500 from the Foundation. The club, with the organized activity, should raise $1,500 net and the municipality on its side will contribute for the value of the taxes and the installation.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: A plaque with the Foundation's logo, as well as that of the Optimist Club, will be permanently installed and at the launch of the first day of activities, journalists from the Rivière-du-Loup newspaper, TV and radio covering our great region will be in vited.
Club: Optimist Club of New Dundee, ON, 46132
Project Name: New Dundee Optibotics
Goal(s) of the project: Optibotics is a group of official First Robotics Junior League (FRJrL) teams. The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators. FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.
Who is it for?: 20 6-9 year-olds
Amount raised for the project: $9,212.35
Demonstrate the importance of the project: This is a very well received program, with great community interest. Participation is capped at 20 children due to availability of mentors and supplies, and each year we have much more interest than we have spots. We are a rural village and Optibotics is one of the only extracurricular activities available to youth without driving to a major city. The themes allow youth to investigate real problems like water conservation and recycling.
Quantify the impact of the grant: Legos, and the JrFLL season kits are very expensive. We also run the team with a collection of old donated laptops that are aging out of usefulness. Additional funds would go to purchasing Lego or basic Chromebooks for children to program with.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: Each year, a dinner is held at our community centre, where medals are awarded to each participant. The event is always covered by local newspapers, and is often recognized at the local primary school. The Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation will be thanked in all media briefings and at the awards ceremony.
Club: Sydenham and District Optimist Club, ON, 46933
Project Name: Hibou Conservation Area Optimist Playground
Goal(s) of the project: To provide an accessible playground for children ages 18 months to 12 years at a local conservation area. Numerous families and school groups use this area. There is a beach and trails with educational signage, as well as washrooms, lots of public parking, a covered picnic pavilion and outdoor picnic areas.
Who is it for?: During summer months, hundreds of children aged from 18 months to 12 years, including children with special needs, per month.
Amount raised for the project: Approximately $5,000
Demonstrate the importance of the project: Hibou Conservation Area has many educational opportunities for children of all ages, and is often used by local families and tourists. The property has a beach, washrooms, extensive trails and wildlife with educational signage provided by another service club. This park is used for family events, dog walking, school field trips, hiking snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Years ago, there was a playground that many parents/grandparents in the area recall enjoying as kids. Numerous people have expressed the desire to have a playground here!
Quantify the impact of the grant: Contribute to the total cost of the playground, estimated to be $60,000. We could dedicate the donation to a specific item, such as the accessible swing.
How will you publicly recognize the support of the CCOF?: We will have a permanent sign at the playground, recognizing contributions from significant donors, such as CCOF. CCOF could be added to the sign along with our local Club and our JOI Club. We can also recognize and promote CCOF in media releases about the project. We have already had attention from the local media about this project.