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26 • The Optimist

Lyle Merriam President Duane Kelly

Immediate Past President

Yves Berthiaume President Elect

Nina Strickland Director Raymonde Michaud Director

The South Huron Optimist Club of the Midwestern Ontario District is to be commended for their efforts to bring some summer fun to their community. Members saw a need and spearheaded the creation of the Exeter Splash Zone. This enjoyable addition to the area provides a free and accessible recreational activity for local children and families.

Construction started in April with 50 volunteers joining the workforce, including numerous local businesses and contractors who donated their time and expertise. Organizations, such as the local Lions Club and

fre department also provided assistance. Much of the work was completed as in-kind donations, which shows

a community can join together to help Optimists provide service and bring out the best in kids.

The South Huron Optimist Club raised more than $40,000 in donations for this project. The money was raised through gifts from Optimist Members, supporters and the community at large.

The grand opening of the Exeter Splash Zone was held on July 30, and brought together numerous people and many non-proft organizations from the Exeter community. The Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (CCOF) was pleased to be a partner of the South

Huron Optimist ub in this thwhile or. The Club’s success is an inspiration for people leading new projects and a great example of what the 2014-2015 Foundation’s theme is all about:

"Helping Optimists Help "OUR" Kids”

They are my kids; they are your kids; they are all ethnic groups, all nationalities; they live next door and they live thousands of miles away. So when you think of kids this year, remember all "Our" kids.

By Jordane Dorsainvil, Administrative Assistant, CCOF

Responds to the Call

Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation

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