Page 18 - Spring 2014 Magazine.indd

16 • The Optimist

"Doing volunteer work within the Optimist organization is very special because I have met incredible people I would not have met if I wasn’t an Optimist Member. When I had to be hospitalized for emergency surgery, I received a tremendous wave of love and friendship from my true Optimist friends. My entire family was incredibly amazed by the help coming directly from these dedicated people. The Optimist movement is not only about “bringing out the best in kids,” but also bringing out the best in adults. It is discovering a real treasure in the quality of our Members."

— Alain Gailloux, Quebec West District Governor

"Why did I become an Optimist and remain one for the past 23 years? Unlike most Members, I was the one who asked to join this group of people that seemed to get along so well together. I saw the pleasure they experienced while organizing their many activities, so I approached the Club President and soon became an Optimist Member. My sponsor had me participate in all the activities organized by the Club. I was hooked! Less than a year after my induction, I was elected President of my Club.

Why have I remained a Member all this time? It's for the friends I’ve made, the personal growth acquired from all the information and training offered, the smiling faces of people whose lives we impacted and the challenges I’ve accepted that still make me grow as a person. For me, the Optimist organization is a big family and I am proud to be one of its Members."

— Danielle Dupont, International Vice President-Elect, Saint-Laurent Region

Our theme for the 2013-2014 year is the acronym “MO.” It stands for My Optimist, Mon Optimist, Magical Opportunities, More Optimism, My Optimism and so on. Now I ask you, “What’s your MO?” Share it with your friends and your fellow Members. Don’t hide it, embrace it, talk about it and go out and seek another MO. — Ron Huxley, International President