Service Club volunteers unite to raise money for kids battling childhood cancer

Volunteer members of the Paris Optimist Club and Lions Club of Paris are joining forces to help raise money for Campfire Circle. Both volunteer-based organizations do a great deal within the community to help youth. Pictured left to right back row: Larry Crawley (Optimist), Mel Osborne (Optimist), David Arsenault (Lions), David Boyd (Lions), Ted Bickell (Lions), Rod Laframboise (Lions). Front row, Nicholas Banks (Lions), Lesley Brown (Optimist), Marilyn McCulloch (Optimist), Carolann Urquhart (Optimist), Andrée Lamarche (Optimist), Stacy McLellan (Lions).

Paris Lions Club and Paris Optimist Club join forces and set a $10,000 fundraising goal - you can help!

Just one week after National Volunteer Recognition Week, two Paris service club volunteers are joining forces to fight cancer. 

The Paris Lions Club and Paris Optimist Club are coming together for a shared cause—raising funds for Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Trillium), a charity that provides unforgettable camp experiences for children affected by childhood cancer.  With a remarkable 170 years of combined community service, both organizations are excited to work side by side to make a meaningful impact. Without volunteers like the Optimists and Lions Club, important fundraisers like these would not be possible and charitable organizations like Campfire Circle would be at risk. 

Volunteers from both service clubs are on a mission with a hefty goal to raise $10,000, and they need the community’s help! On Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th, members of both clubs will be collecting donations at Sobeys and No Frills in Paris. Every dollar raised will help provide joy, friendship, and adventure to children and families facing childhood cancer.

“This partnership is a natural fit,” said Rod Laframboise of the Paris Lions. “Both clubs are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, and by working together, we can have an even greater impact.”

The Paris Optimists share the same enthusiasm. “We are excited to unite our efforts with the Lions for such a worthy cause,” said Larry Crawley, president of the Paris Optimists. “We know our community is incredibly generous, and we hope everyone will rally behind us to help us reach our goal.”

The organizations are calling on the Paris community to support their fundraising efforts. Every contribution, big or small, will help brighten the lives of children and families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.Campfire Circle funds Camp Ooch in Muskoka (founded in 1983) and Camp Trillium in Waterford (founded in 1984). Campfire Circle Muskoka is the only overnight oncology camp in Canada able to provide onsite IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions. Donations help kids be kids again and help families connect with community of strength and support when they need it the most. Each year, 1,500 kids and their families experience ‘healing through happiness’ at Campfire Circle.

Individuals and businesses can support this important cause by bringing a few extra dollars with them to the grocery store – either Sobeys or No Frills, on May 10th and May 11th. You can also make an online contribution by visiting www.campfirecircle.org 

Together we can make a difference!