Optimist Club of Stratford to help tackle food insecurity in 2025

Pictured left to right are Dennis Laughton, Randy Fortune, Dave Evans and Paul Barton on the occasion of one of many Christmas donations by the Optimist Club of Stratford.

The Optimist Club of Stratford is a dedicated group of volunteers seeking to assist in food insecurity as a priority this year.

The challenge will be how best to direct their assistance where so many in the community are finding it difficult to meet the high cost of living. The Optimist Club has been active in Stratford for 88 years as a friend of youth. It was chartered in 1937 and has contributed over $3 million over 40 years to minor sports and community projects.

“We meet once a month at the Legion, usually the second Thursday of the month. We usually do a dinner meeting which is more informal. There might be something to talk about but it is more social. In the past, we did a lot of events but since COVID we haven’t yet,” said Dennis Laughton, current president of the Stratford club.

Aside from the pandemic, there has also been a dwindling membership common to all service clubs, which has affected the ability to run programs like they used to. However, without the programs, there is no awareness and, without awareness, the ability to attract new membership is greatly impeded.

Despite their small membership, in 2024 the Optimist Club of Stratford was very active in the community. They made their ninth-annual Christmas donations, distributing $27,000 to charitable organizations supporting vulnerable youth and families including the Kiwanis-CJCS Christmas Basket Fund, Stratford House of Blessing, Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, Chamber of Commerce Toy Drive, Stratford Perth Shelter Link, Simple Dreams Ministries, Shakespeare Public School Breakfast Program and L’Arche Stratford.

“In 2023, we donated $40,000 to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation for a mat/child isolate (incubator). I didn’t realize that every single piece of equipment there is donated; there is no funding from the province for that,” said Laughton.

For 2025, the club’s focus is to help address food insecurity currently experienced in the community. Stratford food banks have all seen an increase in first-time users and the number of users, and the need for donations is increasing every day. Schools have a snack program funded by the province, but there is also the need for a breakfast program to give children the right start to the day.

“It’s sad to imagine that in a city such as Stratford there are so many kids that are going to school without a breakfast. That rocked me, honestly,” said Laughton.

With today’s climate, there are many organizations that need help, and it will be difficult to determine where donations will go. Where there is a need, the club will try to help.

“We almost need to (help) because of the kids. Recently, we donated to the House of Blessing Toy Room. They have a room filled with toys for people to come and choose gifts. Moving forward, we need to keep our ears to the ground, finding out who needs what and to let people know that we are out there,” said Laughton.

There will be a return of the Bike Rodeo run by the Optimist Club in May, and Stratford Police Service Const. Darren Fischer will be in attendance. The club is also considering a Kids’ Day with fun activities for youth. Funds are primarily raised by organized bus trips to Blue Jays games. Organizer Dean Listman is skilled in selecting and planning the trips so they are affordable and fun for all.

“It usually leaves from the YMCA; you don’t have to worry about driving in downtown Toronto or paying $40 to park. You can have a few drinks and let the driving be done for you. Dean is really good at getting good deals on tickets,” said Laughton.

Service clubs such as the Optimist Club are an opportunity to give back to a community. Supporting youth is at the core of the club’s values of optimism, respect, integrity and global community.

“I had it good growing up, and you don’t realize it. You need to have these conversations. What gave me such a great youth? Someone gave back,” Laughton said.

For more information about the Stratford Optimist Club and to find out about membership opportunities, visit stratfordoptimist.com.