The Optimist Club of Barrie was chartered by Optimist International March 1, 1966. We were sponsored by the Optimist Club of Byron, Ontario and are twined with the Optimist Club of Wabash, Indiana and raise a toast to them at all dinner meetings.
In 2016 we celebrated 50 years of serving youth in Barrie!
Our motto is "Friend of Youth" and we believe in "Bringing out the Best in Kids", we focus all our activities and fundraising on youth related programs and sponsorships.
Our official headquarters is at the Barrie Soccer Club Development Centre formerly the Optimist Youth Centre at 7 Currie Drive, Midhurst (Bayfield Street North past Carson Road to Currie Drive, turn left onto Currie Drive, we are the last building on the left). Please note, we do not have an office or staff at this location, you should contact the Club to request a meeting.
From time to time we participate in Zone, District and International conferences and conventions. Our Zone includes clubs in Barrie & Collingwood. We are always open to building partnerships with our community and WELCOME new members!
Membership is open to men and women by invitation. We each pay an annual membership fee/dues that covers administrative and insurance expenses. A police background check may be required for members to participate in our youth related activities.
If you want to learn more about Optimism, participate in one of our events or JOIN the Optimist Club of Barrie fill out a contact form from the link/tab above or you can reach us by mail at PO Box 20084, Barrie, ON, L4M 6E9.
Our major fundraising projects our the Kempenfest Antiques Fair and twice monthly bingos at the Delta Bingo & Gaming Centre located at 52 Bayfield Street in Barrie, proceeds of both of these efforts allow us to support a number of community based activities and organizations. If you are so inclined, please support these endeavours.
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND CHANGES IN OUR ORGANIZATION WE CURRENTLY HAVE A ROTATING MEETING LOCATION - PLEASE COMPLETE A CONTACT FORM TO REACH US.
