Huntingdon Optimist Club 45th anniversary celebrated with community-wide party

The Huntingdon Optimist Club held a community-wide family day on Saturday, June 16, in celebration of their 45th anniversary. Open to all residents, the party featured a number of free activities in Prince Arthur Park including inflatable games during the day, as well as snacks for families, followed by a mechoui supper for those lucky enough to have tickets in the evening. The Optimist Club was founded on September 25, 1973, with 35 members. The club was founded by Claude Ménard and Laurence Bergevin, and the pair remain involved as members to this day. Throughout the years, the Huntingdon Optimist Club has distributed over $800,000 to different organisations with a connection to children in Huntingdon. Today, the Club boasts 30 very dedicated members who together clock over 3,000 hours of community service and volunteer work each year. The family day was organized as a way to give back to the families of Huntingdon. And, from the smiles on the faces of the many children playing in the park throughout the day, the gesture was very much appreciated.