Optimist Santa Claus Parade
About Us
The Optimist Club of St. Thomas has been a prominent service organization in the community for more than sixty years. The club was officially chartered in 1947 under the sponsorship of the Downtown London Optimist Club.
The early years were growing years, with many projects for the youngsters in the community who were to benefit from the “Friend of the Boy” motto. Soap Box Derbies, model airplane contests, baseball teams and other sports organizations provided participation and recreational opportunities for countless numbers of youth.
Members enjoyed a high level of fellowship and concerted effort in their fund-raising endeavours. Pumpkins were gathered from fields for Halloween sales, Christmas tree lots were manned for the Yuletide tree trade, and Home Bingo cards were distributed for TV Bingo.
Significant accomplishments over the years have been many. Innovative youth programs include the Outdoor Clubs at local high schools, and a summer camp at which outdoor appreciation and canoeing skills were taught. Optimist Park was established in a growing subdivision of the city early in the 1970's and stands today as the most used neighbourhood park in the city.
Members enjoyed spirited participation in District activities as well. For a number of years in succession, the Optimist Club of St. Thomas won first prize in the Friday night costume ball at the District Convention, much to the good-natured chagrin of other Optimist Clubs. The challenge was eventually met, and the long run of trophies was ended with the appearance of other clubs’ creative talents that helped build the popularity of conventions.
The Optimist Club of St. Thomas has been well represented in Optimist International offices as well. It is honoured to be the Home Club of Past O. I. President Norm Shipley, Past Vice Presidents Art Derrough and Brian Clements, and O. I. Committee Member Ray Stanley. Articles recounting successful youth activities have been featured in the O. I. Magazine, and in 1997, the club proudly celebrated 50 years of Optimism in the community.
Optimism is a growing way of life. Two other clubs have been chartered in St. Thomas, providing the opportunity for increased Friend of Youth activities presented by individual clubs, and through concerted efforts to provide the many programs of Optimist International. Thus St. Thomas will continue to grow and prosper, and its youth will move forward as caring and productive members of their community. The Optimist Club of St. Thomas is a proud and honoured club, and its members can justifiably share that pride and honour from the past, through the present, and into the future.
Come join, and become a part of this great organization.
