2008 Christmas Hampers & Toys: What A Delight!
January 3, 2009
2008 Was a Banner Year for the Optimist Christmas Hampers & Toy Deliveries. Here are just a few of the many comments from delighted volunteers and recipents.
From: Terry Johnston, CKDO Radio
Hey J,
Great job…thank you thank you thank you for all you guys do for our Community
Merry Christmas buddy
From Joe Tilley CTV Toronto, Sports Anchor
Never enjoyed myself so much.. had a wonderful day with memories forever.
From: Former Oshawa President Lynn Dunstall
HI Jim-It seems like forever since I last was in touch with you-but you have been great keeping in touch!!Many thanks-I especially appreciated knowing about the health of Mollie,Anne,and mostly Marjorie-what is the latest with Marjorie?
We came back from Florida to experience lots of snow!You know when people say,be careful what you wish for?Well,I have said that I cannot imagine what it is like to never see snow and that I would want to see it every year!!!Silly me!
We do enjoy seeing our family and having the chance to enjoy our grandsons,ages 3 and 2.Everyone is gathering today to celebrate David’s 22nd birthday.It is hard to get everyone together at the same time so we are going to make the most of it!!!
owen and I think of you,especially when in Florida and knowing how much you would enjoy the chance to be in the sunny south.we wish you a Merry Christmas,and all the best for 2009!!
From: Bernie & Karen McGuire
Thanks so much, Jim for sending the radio interview to us. But, Jim, I missed your sign-off signature “If you can’t play a sport, be a sport” ha.ha. In the 60’s, I’ll always remember that.
We had a great time yesterday and it is rewarding. And as we told you yesterday, I believe we had the easiest part of the event. A good job well done and we know the two families we delivered to well appreciated the donations and the efforts of the Optimists and the Salvation Army. We’ll be back next year!
Enjoy your trip and Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.
From: Geoff Williams
Mr.Shaw,
Thank you for giving Luke this opportunity I think he got more out of the day than the people receiving the food and gifts. If you have any other events that you require volunteers for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Merry Christmas!!
From: Bill & Betty Hambley
Hi Jim
Just a note to thank you for inviting Betty & I to deliver hampers & toys to people in need .It has opened our eyes as to clubs like the optimist & the good work that you do all through the year.Our thanks also goes out to Johnnys & the salvation army .It would be our pleasure to help out any time in the future if asked .I must tell you about the last home we delivered to on mill street ,a small frame house ,when we arrived & young mother greeted us at the door we did not see any children at that point
obviously they were at the back of the house ,as we were pulling out of the driveway all three were standing by the front screened door smiling & waveing .I can tell you that the bad weather & heavy hampers were forgotten .
From Oshawa Councillor Joe Kolodzie
Great work jim.
From: Sue Kuczkowski, Oshawa Wado-Kai Karate Club
Hi Jim,
I just read your note regarding the success of the Hamper deliveries of today.
This being my family’s second year being apart of the deliveries on behalf of our club (Wado-Kai), we truly are humbled to be included in such a wonderful giving. Both families we delivered to this year were very grateful, as were those of last year. You can count on us being there again next year!. For next year, I will get an earlier start with the hamper collection at our Karate club locations and hope to surpass our donation of 2008.
From: Peter Pniauskas
Hi Jim,
Just a note of” Congratulations “to You and the Optimist Team for a Job well done.You deserve a lot of respect for your dedication and hard work during this past year.I can really feel the” Benefits”for the needy during this Festive season with your support it’s going to happen.I hope your Wife condition is improving and is coming home soon.
See you Sunday,
From: Shirley McKee
Hi, Jim
Just a note to say I have received your email re the Optimist Club of Oshawa, and details of the volunteer event on Sunday December 21 at 6:30 a.m. It was nice to meet you today by phone, and we (my husband Bob, and I) lookforward to meeting you on the 21st and helping with this very worthy cause.
From: Tina Bizley
Hello Jim: I had contacted you regarding the volunteering of my son for this event. Our family has been very homesick for our home town and have decided we will head home for Christmas. I am so sorry if this causes problems with me originally having signed Matthew Bizley up to help this day. I lost my father this year and just feel that perhaps we should be home with what family we have left. Please keep the emails coming so I can be on the look out for him to help in some other sort of way for his volunteer hours. Again please accept my apologies.
From: Paul Thomson, Optimist Central Ontario District Govenor
hi Jim, Sher and I would be pleased to attend Sun 21st Dec if you would kindly send us direction to the facility. Looking forward to seeing you there, thanks Gov Paul
From: Oshawa Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri
Excellent Jim!
2008 Optimist Hampers & Toys Wrap Up
January 3, 2009
Oshawa December 22 – Terry Johnston the morning radio voice of CKDO 1580 AM a long time friend and associate with the Club hosted event Chair Jim Shaw n wrapping up the successful 25th annual Christmas Hampers & Toy Deliveries
Johnston recalled the memory days of yesteryears when both worked at the local media outlet. The interview saulted the over 150 volunteers. For more on this interview click the play button below and hear for yourself.
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Ad Courtsey of Snap Oshawa & Interview Courtesy of CKDO Radio
OPTIMIST HOCKEY RAFFLE WINNERS ANNOUNCES HER TEAM MATES
January 2, 2009
Oshawa, Jan. 2nd. Sue Kuczkowski the 2008 official winner for the 2nd Annual Hockey Nite in Oshawa has announced her official game day lineup for the Jan 11th O.H.L.east division game featuring arch rivals the Peterborough ” Petes” vs the home town Oshawa Generals on January 11th at the GM Centre located in downtown Oshawa.
Kuczkowski a mainstay with the Wado Kai Karate Club purchased her winning ticket 0667 which entitle her and a group of twelve to attend the game plus a pre-game meal, The draw was made on December 21st at Johnny’s Eatery.
Her invited guests: include immediate family members – husband Dan and her two children Kathryn and Michael long time friend Kim Ellis, Alex and Keith Monro, Jose Carlos/Myrna Garcia and the Virgin family Therese, Ted and Jennifer.
This is the second consecutive year the Optimist Club of Oshawa membership have raffled off game day tickets/dinner. The ducats where donated by the City of Oshawa Community Service Department under the authorization of Peggy Kohls while Johnny Milosh owner at Johnny’s Eatery is supplying the pre-game meal.
Profits from this event in the excess of $1,000.00 was used the offset the growing cost for the 25th Annual Optimist Food Hamper and Toy Deliveries held on December 21st.
25th ANNUAL OPTIMIST FOOD HAMPER/TOYS DELIVERIES A HUGE SUCCESS
December 22, 2008
Oshawa, Dec 21… It was officially the first day of winter and Mother Nature displayed was displaying her stuff. It was bitter cold, with strong winds, tons of snow but that didn’t stop the over 150 Optimist Elves volunteers in delivering 100 Christmas Food Hampers/Toys to needy Oshawa families. This marks the 25th anniversary the Optimist and the Salvation Army have teamed up forming a strong partnership in this timely community event.
Back in November,the Salvation Army accepted applications from local residents who are experiencing hard times especially this Christmas with plant shutdowns and the slowed down economy. For a quarter of a century the Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc.membership have accept the challenge, committing their organization to supply quality food and toys for Xmas 2008.
Each family received 3 overflow banana boxes consisting of staple foods only including a Xmas Turkey, Hams, milk, potatoes, bread etc. It is estimated a family of four would be able to enjoy quality food until at least New Years day. New high ticketed Toy items ie – Boys,CCM hockey skates, Built a Bear, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Musical instruments etc where picked up on Monday (Dec 15th) creating a overflow record breaking 1,016 toy donation from the two prime Optimist locations.Christine Gonzalez and her main nursing staff,associates patients,doctors dug deep supplying 212 new toys. An additional 804 toys came from the Martin Chiropractic Clinic. The clinic’s spokesperson owner Greg Martin stated each year the generosity from their clients, business associates is simply amazing. For 19 years the Martin Clinic having been a “Friend Of Youth” supplying the Oshawa Optimist with toys annually while the 4th OGH Floor have just completed their 7th consecutive year. A mammoth increase prevails each December from both sources. In fact – Ivan Downey the Director of Community and Family services stated the Optimist Club are the largest single supplier for Toys within the Durham Region at Christmas.Optimist Elves stuffing those toys dividing them equally by gender and age for Xmas time delivery. The estimated retail Toys value from the two locations was over $30,000.00
Sunday morning at the brisk early hour of 6:30 am 25 volunteer Optimist volunteers packed the 100 hampers for the noon hour delivery. It took a rapid fire 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete this time consuming task ensured no breakage or damage.
Staple food items per family consisted of:
1 doz Eggs
1 tub Margarine
1 pkg B/D Cheese Slices 500g
1 can Apple Juice 48oz
2 Pkg Post Cereal
1 48 Oz French style Pea Soup
1 pkg Jumbo style Hot Dogs 12’s
1 bag 2% – 4 lt Milk
l ctn Yogurt (16’s)
2 pkg Mac/Cheese Dinners
1 can Peas
1 can Corn
1 btle Ketchup
2 jars Peanut Butter 500G
1lb Hamburger
1 pkg Apple Pie 10 Inch
1 loave French Stick Bread
1 bag Christmas Oranges
1 ctn Bottled Water 12’s
l pkg Apples (3 lb)
1 pkg Cluster Tomatoes 2lbs
1 pkg Garden Salad 24Oz
10 lb Potatoes
1 bag Grapefuit (3lb cello)
1 loose Fresh Pineapple
l pkg Bacon (454G)
l carton Jello Puddings 4X99G
1 can Dairyland Whip Cream
1 pkg Spaghetti
1 can Tomato Sauce
1 jar Jam 500 gm (Raspberry)
1 can M/H Coffee 216G
1 pkg AJ Pancake Mix 366 G
1 btle Pancake Syrup
l pkg (5lb) Frozen Lasagne
l loose Xmas Turkey/Dressing (ave 15lbs)
2 pkg Gravy Mix
2 pkg Stove Top Dressing
2 can Baked Beans
CTV Joe Tilley’s Master of Ceremonies
CTV’s Channel Nine CFTO sports anchor Joe Tilley a Oshawa resident not only was our MC’s but preformed double duty. He spearheaded the Clalvacade of Hamper/Toy vehicles and traded in his microphone in exchange for heavy labour loading hampers job.Optimist Ontario Governor Paul Thomson, his lovely wife Optimist Sheryl lead the drive onto oue local streets. The Thomson vehicle engaged councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri expertise instructing the Governor about our city streets ensuring the hampers/toys arrived during the prescribed window of delivery time from 12 noon to 1:30 pm. His back seat guidance was invaluable.Governor Thomson was impressed with Oshawa’s snow removal system.Optimist Club of Oshawa President Petrina Perrineau a single parent and her daughter Caprice followed behind the Thomson unit. Another 48 vehicles completed the Cavalcade at random.
Speaches:
Ivan Downey,the director of community affairs for the Salvation Army praised the 150 volunteers for their dedicated loyal work within Oshawa. He remarked “without people like you in attendance to-day many families would be without” He was speaking on behalf ofthe families receiving the Hampers/Toys. ”We God Bless You All’ in closing.
Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri representing his worship Mayor John Gray acknowledged the community work the Oshawa Optimist have preformed over the years. Mr.Marimpietri presented a special proclamation on behalf of mayor and his fellow councillors to Club president Petrina Perrrineau which read’
City Of Oshawa presents to the Optimist Club of Oshawa
25th Food Hamper/Toy Delivery Drive on Dec 21st.
On behalf of members of Council and citizen of Oshawa, it’s my pleasure
to acknowledge the Optimist Club of Oshawa and it’s members for their
tireless effort to help needy Oshawa families.
Without the kindness, understanding of the many volunteers, many families
wouldn’t have enjoyed a Merry Xmas.
You are truly delivers of Happiness
Thank-You “Friends of Optimist on behalf of appreciative community
Presented Dec 21 st 2008
Mayor John Gray
Overwhelming Volunteer Effort.
Endless preparation hours when into this 25th anniversary project” stated invent chair Optimist Jim Shaw. He estimated over 1,500 man hours was required to operate this successful event. He credits the tireless workers including the Local Youth volunteers. The evening prior Optimist members worked the weekly Bingo fundraiser. Profits from Bingos, Monday Nite Progressive Euchre Parties, Raffles spearheaded by Optimist Greg Bamber produced the majority of dollars required. Shaw continue to say without the help and understanding from the community business sector namely Johnny Original Eatery (Johnny Milosh & His Staff), CAW Local 222 Membership,Wado Kai Karate Club, Terry Johnston CKDO-AM 1580 Oshawa, Joe Tilley CTV Sports Anchor, SnapOshawa, OTW (Metroland), Oshawa Express, CHEX-TV Rita Nave, membership of the Oshawa Optimist Club, Walmart Canada, 5-Points Mall, Discount Car & Truck Rentals, T-Fal Canada,City of Oshawa,Salvation Army, Martin Chiropractic Clinic, 4Main Nurses at Lakeridge Health (OGH), Durham College/UOIT Athletic Association, The Skinner Family, Hideaway Charities Association, Rogers Cable 10 News, Monday Nite Euchre Club, St. Peters Church McDonald’s Restaurants and our dedicated and loyal volunteers.All made strong
contribution to the success.
Shirley McKee probably said best while packing the hampers Sunday morning. “Everytime I deposited a food item into the hamper box- it was very special to me that my Robert and I were doing something special for our new community.The McKee’s are recent new residence to Oshawa,.
Radio Inview Monday, Dec 22 @ 7:22 am
Terry Johnston a life time friend of the Optimist Club of Oshawa will be conducting a live interview at 7:22 am Monday, Dec 22nd with Optimist Jim Shaw to wrap up the 2008 Food Hamper/Toy Deliveries.
Prize Winners
Optimist Hockey Nite In Oshawa – 12 OHL Game Day OHL Seats
Jan 11th – Gens/Petes @ GM Centre with Pre-Game Meal For 12
Winner-Susan Kuczkowski of Oshawa, Ticket No. 0667 (advise via telephone)
Optimist Hand Stitch Quilt -
Winner- Tom Daize 905-263-4381 Ticket No. 261 (advise via telephone)
T-Fal Kitchen Pots/Pans
Winner- Zack Humeniuk Age 10 Ticket 011.
50/50 Draw
Cash Award $78.00:
Winner- Karen McGuire
Christmas CD’s Donated By Ron Moore
Winners:-
(1) Jules Racine
(2) Rollie Normand
(3) Eleanor Kowal
(4) Bonnie Kronsovsky
10 Lunches & 10 Dinners @ Tickled Toad – Oshawa
Winner- Chastity Wiswell (advise via telephone)
Optimist Hit Airwaves With CKDO Radio
December 17, 2008
Oshawa Deecember 15 – You Talkin’ to Me!, Well Ivan Downey the director of Community and Family Affairs for the Salvation Army in Oshawa and Super Toy Collector Greg Martin of the Martic Chriopratic Clinic became automatic celeberities during their interview with 1580 AM CKDO Radio morning host Terry Johnston. Yes! they were talkin’ to everyone about the 2008 Christmas Hampers Toy Deliveries.
It’s the Oshawa Sliver Anniversary helping 100 needy families at this joyest season. Over 1100 toys were donated from two seperate locations including over 800 from the Martin Clinic and the balance supplied by the staff and pacients from the Lakeridge Health Oshawa (formerly Oshawa General Hospital) 4th Floor
For more on this interview take a listen to the file provided by our friends at CKDO Radio. Enjoy!
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WOW – RECORD BREAKING 1,016 TOYS DONATED FOR OPTIMIST DEC,21 HAMPER/TOY DELIVERIES.
December 16, 2008
Oshawa, Dec 15 … Yes Santa Claus does live. With less than a week remaining before the 25th annual Optimist Club of Oshawa sponsored Food Hamper/Toy deliveries this Sunday, Dec. 21st as things are“kicking into high gear”,The 2008 campaign received a overflow amount of toys collected from two sources earlier this morning. First, Christine Gonzalez and her nursing staff from Lakeridge Health (OGH) 4th floor donated 212 toys.
It was the largest total accumulated at OGH since their program commence seven years ago. Gonzalez, and her working associates (nurses, doctors and patients) reached deep this year.
Less than hour later at 11:30 am seven volunteers where required to load 804 additional toys from the Martin Chiropractic Clinic. The clinic’s spokesperson owner Greg Martin stated each year the generosity from the clients, business associates has been outstanding. In the 19 years donated toys has always increased from the year previous. In 2007 – the Martin Clinic supplied 639 toys.
Ivan Downey the Director of Community and Family services stated the Martin Clinic is the largest single supplier for Toys within the Durham Region at Christmas . Elves stuffing toys included the twin-owners Greg and Scott Martin, Nancy Madigan, Debbie Betts, Ivan Downey, Clare and David Corrigan. Collectively this group loaded a van and four vehicles. The estimated retail value of Toys from locations was estimated over $30,000.00
The donated toys where simply amazing. Some donated gifts for delivery in time for Christmas included - Boys CCM Hockey Skates, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Build A Bear, hockey sticks, musical instruments etc. Infact their wasn’t a toy under $25.00 presented. Downey had company driving the Toys back to Church. One toy in particular didn’t stop talking during the trip.
Two time Oshawa presidents Stephen Hambley (’04-’06) and Jim Shaw president from 2005 represented the Optimist club at both locations.
Next up is the food hampers, This Sunday morning a group of dedicated volunteers meet at 6:30 am to pack 100 hampers for needy Oshawa families as selected by the Salvation Army from received application and screening progress.
The Optimist Club of Oshawa have assembled 120 volunteers to load and deliver hampers.toys between 12 noon and 1:30 pm. Each delivery contacts ample stable wfood for seven days including a festive Xmas Turkey. Retail hamper value is $15,000.00
Event coordinator Optimist Jim Shaw says “it’s a team effort by every one involved”. A tremendous amount of man-hours have been dedicated to-wards this project. The Optimist Elves have established the delivery window from 12 noon till 1:30 pm on Sunday. Accu-weather long range forecast calls for sunny cold with temperatures listed at -5c. Sunday is the first day official of winter. Last year, it took over six hours for deliveries to be completed as a major snow storm prevail. Regardless the Hampers/toys where completed,
A Cavalcade of Hamper vehicles of 50 lead by Optimist Governor Paul Thomson, followed by current Oshawa president Petrina Perrineau and City of Oshawa councillor Tito Dante Marimpietri’s Family will be spearhead the cavalcade. The hampers and toys will be loaded into the vehicles by another group of o Optimist volunteer helpers.
Each month the Optimist Club of Oshawa operate one major event. The Optimist calendar years operates from
Oct lst, 2008 till Sept 30th, 2009.
Since October 2008 the annual Thomas A.Scero/Sydney H, Breland Memorial Durham College Athletic scholarships where awarded to Katie Watts and Derek Kyle. Both students are working with their varsity coaches Sunday loading the toys. Durham College – UOIT Althetic director Ken Babcock is a volunteer for his fifth year while his administrative assistant Karen Richards and her daughter are also helping.
On Dec. 06, the 19th annual Optimist Wado Kai Karate Tournament celebrated another successful event. Many Wado Kai executive and members are helping with deliveries. It’s a family affair with the operative words we are all sharing the responsibilities.
After the deliveries have been completed the Optimist Club of Oshawa members are hosting a well deserved Festive Buffet. It’s the Optimist way of offering a “Thank-You” for a job well done. CTV’s Joe Tilley will be this year Master of Ceremonies.
This year is especially rewarding it’s the 25th year and the need for food especially at this time of year becomes a “Rewarding Experience” for everyone involved.
TERRY JOHNSTON PLUGGING OPTIMIST HAMPER/TOY DELIVERIES
December 10, 2008
Oshawa, Dec 15th... Be sure to circle your calendar and have you radio dial set for 107.7 FM or 1580 AM,CKDO Oshawa when morning host Terry Johnston continues to plug the 2008 Optimist Club of Oshawa membership 25th annual Food Hamper/Toy Delveries set for Sunday, December 21st. The live interview featuring one of our Toy suppliers Greg Martin from the Martin Chiropractic Clinic and Ivan Downey the Director of Community and Family Services starts at 7:22 am. As usual it will be a informal talk explaining how the Toy drive was started and how the Toys will be distributed.
Mr. Johnston has been a strong supporter of all Optimist Club of Oshawa events over the years including the Oshawa Optimist Baseball Day, Family Ice Skate and Family Swim, CCDHH Contest, T-Ball tournament and so on.
Later in the morning, the Salvation Army will be picking Toys from Lakeridge Health (Oshawa General Hospital) 4th Floor at 10:00 am and at 11:30 am from the Martin Chiropractic Clinic located on King St. W.
It is expected over 1,000 new toys will be pickup by Salvation Army
Terry Johnston
CKDO Morning Boy
107.7 FM & 1580 CKDO
M-F 530am-852am (1st tee at 9am!)
25th Annual – 2008 Hamper/Toy Deliveries Set For Dec 21
December 7, 2008
Oshawa ,Dec 21:- A record number of Santa Claus Optimist Elves 120 in total will be packing and delivering 100 Food Hampers and Toys on Sun. Dec 21st at 12 noon from a new location start point kicking off our 25th consecutive year from Johnny’s Eatery located at 850 King St. W (King/Thornton Plaza). Event chair Jimmy Shaw will his work assignment completed early next week. He’s been checking his volunteer list more than once and with care with the official Email responsibilities having been assigned. Santa Jim expects you will Christmas card letters on or before this Wednesday.
Optimist Cenon Governor Paul Thomson is the lead vehicle in the Optimist Parade of Hamper/Toys Vehicle Carnival kicking off a 12 noon sharp on Dec. 21. Optimist president Peterina Perrineau follows in unit two with her daughter Caprice as her co-pilot. The other vehicles and Elves helpers follow at random. The delivery window is from 12 noon till 1:15 pm followed by a gala Opti-Johnny’s brunch commencing at 1:30 pm after the deliveries.
CTV-TV personality Joe Tilley is the Master of cermonies .
Official announcement of the winner’s of the recently sold raffles will be announced on Dec 21. For the past year the Oshawa membership have operated fundraisers – ie-Monday Night Progressive Euchre, weekly bingo’s and raffles to offset the cost for the 2008 Hampers/Toy Deliveries which has a invoice of over $20,000.00.
KUDO’S OPTIMIST WEEKEND RAFFLE SALES STAFF – 40 TICKETS REMAIN
November 24, 2008
Oshawa, Nov 23:
Kudos’ to the dedicated Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc Membership and “Friends Of Optimist” for an outstanding job handling weekend Raffle Ticket Sales from the 5-Point Mall. The 4 day blitz started on Thur. Nov 20.
The official “SOLD OUT” sign appeared with the 700 printed tickets under lottery license M567678 reached it’s target. This prize includes 12 OHL Game Day tickets on Jan 11th featured our Oshawa Generals game against arch rival Peterborough Petes at the GM Centre plus a delicious pre-game dinner at Johnny’s Original Eatery.
Our second “non sports” raffle features a Hand Knitted Optimist Quilt (retail value $500.00), a set of T-Fal pots and pans (retail value $150.00) and ten dinners/lunches on a VIP Tickled Toad Pub & Grill voucher (retail value $450.00),This venue is located at 843 King St. W.
The lucky winners will be announced on Dec. 21st.and also appear in the local print and electronic media.
Event coordinator Greg Bamber reports only forty ticket remain. All profits are dedicated towards 2008 Optimist Food Hampers and Toy for 100 needy Oshawa families. One hundred screen names are supplied from the Salvation Army. A volunteer group of over 120 will collective meet at Johnny’s Original Eatery Dec.21 at 12 noon for delivery instructions. Once the hampers and toys reached their final destination all the helper will enjoy a sitdown All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at 1:30 pm. CFTO-TV personality Joe Tilley will be the MC.
Fund raising is always a major focus geared towards securing the dollars required to operate our 25th annual Christmas/Food Hamper deliveries. The estimated cost is $20,000.00.
Freshmen Optimist member Greg Bamber praised his group of loyal, dedicated weekend volunteers included Margie Ross, Neil Metcalfe, Kenny Ferrill, Stephen Hambley, Jimmy Shaw and club president Petrina Perrineau. All where outstanding ambassors spreading the word to ticket buyers about the Optimist movement our community involvement of being a “Friend Of Youth”
Walmart Canada Stevenson Rd General Manager Howard Kerr has promise to match dollar for dollar on every sale the Optimist accomplished.
Final raffle sales will be completed on Sat. Dec 13 at the Walmart Super Store located on Stevenson Road South in Oshawa.
Any “Friend Of Optimist wishing to help may contact us via email e-mail@oshawaoptimist.ca or telephone @ 905-576-6919 and ask for Jim
OPTIMIST BEATS THE WEATHER CONDITIONS DELIVERING XMAS HAMPERS & TOYS
December 17, 2007
Oshawa, Sun. Dec 16.. The City of Oshawa still isn’t fully recovered,digging it selfout from out Sunday largest winter storm in decades. The Police report 800 + accidents 397 flights combined with 26 cm of snow where recorded on the Sabbath. Most of Oshawa was pummelled creating massive transportation delays reported the ministy of transports. Despite all of this doom and gloom more than 100 brave, cautious drivers appeared at Optimist Headquarters aka Southmead Park for the 24th Annual Members sponsored Christmas Food Hamper/Toy Deliveries. The spirit this festive wasn’t to be denied coming to aid of one hundred needy Oshawa Families in this for Christmas with food and toys. Many claim it was the worst storm since records have been kept. Despite the high winds, bitter cold temperatures of -20c degress, the Optimist members and volunteers more determined in getting the job done.
“Our dedicated volunteers deserve a medal for a job well done” remarked Optimist President Stephen Hambley. Numerous organization whom the Oshawa Optimist have helped over the years the Oshawa Fury Junior Hockey Club, Ajax Notre Dame School, Wado-Kai Karate Club, St. Thomas Aquantis Catholic Elementary School, D.R.P.S.volunteers. and the Optimist Monday Nite Progressive Euchre Group plus endless friends of the Oshawa Optimist participated.
Normally volunteer vehicles deliver two households of hampers/toys to assigned Oshawa locations. This year as expected the Optimist committee had a short fall of about ten drivers. The AWLO drivers many couldn’t get out of their driveways to annual this important event. Drivers in attendance become repeat performers handling between four and five destinations. The volunteers never questioned the weather – they where on a dedicated mission for needy Oshawa families.
Isobelle Guimont the spirited Ajax Notre Dame de Lajeunesse Elementary School grade 5 teacher presented the Optimist club with cheque for $1,003.00. This was raised at the Desert Bake sale held last week. A year earlier, this same group dispatched a cheque for $688.00. They are just superb group to deal with. Madame Guimont stayed and delivered five hampers/toys including 15 boxes and 8 toy bags. She’s a game. Each family received enough food for a week from the Optimist Club including
fresh fruit, staple foods, milk and a tradition Christmas Turkey plus three toys each per each family child. It took three overflow hampers to accomplished the food for each family.
George and Kay Skinner were up to their familiar tricks donating another $100.00 from their family bank account. Like Madame Guimont they chipped in with the deliveries. Both where acknowleged for their years of helping with a appreciation plaques from the Optimist members. Other merit appreciation plaques went to Salvation Army Family Services Director (Ivan Downey & Lori Armstrong), Canadian Auto Workers (C.A.W) Local 222- to financial-secretary Charlie Peel, Discount Car & Truck Rentals, Johnny Milosh owner-and-long time Optimist friend at Johnny’s Original Eatery, Cliff Maddock from the Oshawa Fury Junior “A” Hockey Club, Christine Gonzalez and her Nurses on the 4th main floor at Lakeridge Health (OGH) – Martin Chiropractic Clinic – Greg – Scott Martin and Staff, the ownership group at Braemor Fresh Garden Market – Marco, Mary, John Celebre, Southmead Park, President Earl Marshall, new commers Ken Ferrill and his partner Jay Kimble the new Optimist kids on the block of decated volunteers.
It’s been a busy weekend for Optimist club members, Saturday the Optimist sponsored the 11th Optimist Wado/Kai Karate Tournament at the Y.W.C.A. gym. To-nite (Monday,Dec 17th) the weekly fundraiser – the Optimist Progressive Euchre Party will be held at Johnny’s Orginal Eatery located at 850 King St. West starting at 7:00 pm, The final event for 2007 is set for Sat. Dec 22 the bi-monthly Bingo at the Hideaway Hall (Lower Level) within the the LeGala banquet hall in Whitby.
Each year, the Optimist club operates between 50 to 60 events, always geared to-wards the “Youth Of Oshawa” They’ve been doing youth activies since July 22, 1982.
See our photo section to view week-end pictures.
Gallery
Cenon Clubs
- Central Ontario District (CENON)
- Optimist Club of Ajax
- Optimist Club of Aurora
- Optimist Club of Brampton
- Optimist Club of Brooklin
- Optimist Club of Caledon
- Optimist Club of Greater Kingston-Cataraqui
- Optimist Club of Hamilton
- Optimist Club of Keswick
- Optimist Club of Lindsay
- Optimist Club of Milton
- Optimist Club of Oakville
- Optimist Club of Orangeville
- Optimist Club of Oshawa
- Optimist Club of Puslinch