The Optimist Club of Aurora is a service organization operating within the community of Aurora. We organize programs and raise funds to assist in meeting the needs of the youth in our town. This includes sports, the arts, education, medical, health & wellness and other need that may arise.

Our Club is a motivated group of adults willing to volunteer to help the local youth. We have won various distinguished awards locally, nationally and internationally. We are membersof the Optimist International Organization which celebrated “100 Years of Optimism Service” in 2019.

The goal of an Optimist is to “bring out the best in kids”. This has been our motto since 1919. Club members commit their time and resources to fundraising activities or various programs involving the youth of Aurora.

With the funds we:

• Provide scholarships to students at five local high schools
• Support breakfast and healthy snack programs in local elementary schools
• Support the Aurora Food Pantry, where 40% of their users are under 18
• Contribute to music, theatre and visual arts programs
• Support the Central Ontario Leadership Seminar for local grade 10 students
• Organize and run an annual chess tournament for grades 1-8
• Support Mental Health Programs
• Sports Programs and Athletes
• …and so much more!

Current Board of Directors
President - Sandra Watson
Treasurer - Kim Robertson
Secretary - Rob Gaby
Past President - Sandy Bundy
Vice President - Brenda North
Vice President - Georgia Pottage
Sgt-at-Arms - Terry Sherrin
Directors: Diane Buchanan, Stu Bundy, Deb Finniear, Anthony Garramone, Brian North, Susan Pratt