A Message from Gary Cross, 2007-2008 OIFC President
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Now in its 19th year, the Optimist International Foundation of Canada has become an important part of serving Optimism in Canada. As the 2007-2008 President of the OIFC, we are expecting a good year. We have to.
Every international scholarship given towards oratory, essay and the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is funded
Each year OIFC makes $5,150 available to each Canadian District: $3,000 available to each Canadian District: $3,000 for two $1,500 oratory scholarships, $650 for one essay scholarship, and one $1,500 CCDHH scholarship. Scholarships are important to the future of our young people, and we are pleased to make that our first commitment each year to Optimist International.
Each year we fund a portion of Optimist International’s program – specifically JOOI.
We collect funds given for Optimist International’s Childhood Cancer Campaign. Let me remove any confusion – Childhood Cancer money given in Canada stays in Canada. CCC money does not go to Johns Hopkins for research. It does not go to St. Louis to assist in operating the program – although we receive all the benefits of CCC program administration. CCC money stays in Canada. Optimist International has an appointed committee to review grant applications and distribute CCC funds given in Canada. Information is on the Optimist International website.
We assist Clubs through our Outsourcing program. Clubs doing projects that qualify for a tax deduction according to Canada Revenue Agency guidelines may establish a contractual relationship with us. Information is on the OIFC website.
We are delighted to educate and work with 12 talented District Foundation Representatives who are our voices, knowledge, assistants and friends in each District. For this year, I am please to acknowledge:
District #13 Duane Kelly District #32 Wayne Bohrn District #35 John Dyvig District #45 Cheryl Bolton District #46 Margie Shepherd District #47 Ian Carter District #49 Ann Richer-Doyle District #50 Robert Lavoie District #52 Jacqueline Fontaine District #53 Marc Toutloff District #54 Gaetan Drapeau District #55 Christiane Desjardins
and thank them for the work they are doing to assist the Foundation.
As I said earlier, I expect a good year. This link will take you to my specific goals for the year. If you review the Foundation’s goals, you will agree that we have a big task ahead of us. Clubs do a great job of making an annual gift. We need more individuals to support the Foundation. We have tried to make it easier with the Dime-A-Day program, the new Century Circle, the Presidents Club, Friends of Today, the Friends of Tomorrow, the Christian D. Larson Partners, the various levels of Benefactors and the William H. Harrison Society.
I have been a proud Optimist since 1984 and have held almost every job in the organization through Vice President. It is a great honor to work with you and to serve with you. We do it all in order to have the financial resources necessary to help OI continue to succeed in bringing out the best in kids.
Yours in Optimism,
Gary B. Cross, President
Optimist International Foundation of Canada
Optimist International Foundation of Canada
Established
in 1988, the Optimist International Foundation of Canada has been instrumental in providing
significant funding for the charitable, literary and educational purposes
of Optimist International, a community service based organization committed
to creating a more optimistic future for young people through innovative programs.
Optimists...Bringing Out The Best In Kids
Optimist volunteers serve as leaders, mentors and friends to help kids achieve a more positive and productive life. Optimists create opportunities for youth as they develop into adulthood and become role models for future generations.
An Optimistic Attitude
Optimists believe that a positive approach can make all the difference in the world. Through service programs, Optimists develop positive attitudes and approaches to life that enable young people to excel in school and in their community.
Investing In Young People
Optimists believe that investing a few hours a week to mentor, educate, inspire and believe in young people can ensure a better tomorrow.
Personal Development
Optimists gain leadership experience, and grow both personally and professionally. Optimists value the social and business relationships they develop with like-minded individuals in their community.
© 2007 Optimist International Foundation of Canada. All Rights Reserved.
