Downie Optimist Club continues strong support for youth and community programs

Downie Optimist Club volunteers who recently served hundreds of guests at the club’s rib, pigtail and sauerkraut dinner at the St. Pauls community hall include, from left, Bill McGavin, Bill Thomson, Steve Coulthard, Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy’s Catering in St. Agatha, club president Manny Puetz and Brent Baker.

By Gary West

One of the most active Optimist Clubs in southern Ontario continues to be the Downie Optimist Club, based in St. Pauls between Stratford and St. Marys.

Founded in 1976 with sponsorship from the Stratford Optimist Club, the Downie Optimists have grown steadily over the decades. The club now counts 67 members, including 10 charter members who have remained involved since the organization’s earliest days.

A strong focus on supporting youth programming remains at the heart of the club’s mission. To fund its many community contributions, the Downie Optimists host several popular fundraising events throughout the year including the annual sauerkraut, rib and pigtail dinner held at the Downie Optimist Hall in St. Pauls. The dinner regularly attracts hundreds of local residents, offering an evening of good food and community connection while supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives.

Club president Manny Puetz said the past year has once again been a busy one, with ongoing programming and financial support directed toward youth-focused organizations across the region. Through its fundraising efforts, the club has been able to make significant donations to numerous causes.

Among the club’s recent contributions was $5,000 in Christmas gifts for families supported by Optimism Place in Stratford and the Emily Murphy Centre. Another $5,000 donation was directed to Wellspring Stratford to support an art program for children either experiencing cancer themselves or supporting a family member who is undergoing treatment.

The Downie Optimists have also supported local sports and recreation, serving as a platinum sponsor for St. Marys Ringette and a gold sponsor for the Mitchell Skating Club. A $1,200 contribution was made to the Upper Thames Conservation Authority to assist with water-safety education around lakes and rivers in Perth South.

Additional support has included sponsorship of the school hard-boiled egg snack and lunch program for public, separate and secondary schools throughout Perth County. The club has also been a longtime sponsor of the “Farm to You” experience at the Stratford Fall Fair, helping connect visitors with agriculture and farm animals.

Community involvement extends beyond financial contributions. Each year, members participate in the St. Marys Santa Claus Parade, handing out candy bags to children lining the parade route.

With 2026 marking the club’s 50th anniversary as a chartered Optimist Club, members are now planning special initiatives to recognize five decades of service. Puetz thanked area residents for their continued support, noting that community participation plays a vital role in sustaining the club’s many programs.