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On Friday, September 6th, local MPP Rob Flack met with the team at the Optimist Youth Centre to hear more about the $29,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for much-needed repairs and renovations to their building. The project will safeguard and help to maintain the integrity and health of the Youth Centre for the use of the community at large for years to come.

“When it comes to the North Dorchester Optimist Club, it’s all about our youth. That’s why I’m so pleased to see this OTF funding from the Ontario Government going to such good use,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London.

The grant allowed the Dorchester Optimist Club to replace their aging, 21-year-old furnaces and to repaint the building’s steel exterior after original plans were put on hold due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will ensure the Club can offer a place that provides a healthy environment for rentals and curtail the rusting of the exterior.

In 1971 the Optimist Club of North Dorchester was started by several people who were concerned about youth, the opportunities for healthy growth, and lack of activities and services available locally. The building was erected in 1979 with government funds matched dollar for dollar from Wintario which has evolved to be the current Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Community organizations, Blood Donor Clinic, Elections Canada and individuals can rent the facility weddings, memorials, meetings and family gatherings. Its home to The Junior Optimist Club, Optimist membership and the local 201 Cadet Squadron.  Some programs sponsored by the club are the annual Bike Rodeo, Youth Appreciation, and Junior Optimist Golf Tournament. Annual fundraisers like the upcoming Christmas Market in November 16 & 17th, the recent July Car Show and April Fish Fry, and upcoming Cash Calendar Sales in October  to December provide funding for youth programs and services. Fundraising supports four local schools (school libraries, STEM/ROBOTICS programs, graduations, special projects), sports and community organizations, local Food Bank and special needs requests with $25,000 to $30,000 in total funding distributed annually.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like North Dorchester Optimist Club deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.