Installations our club has funded for the enjoyment and health of all in our community.

Our club also makes financial contributions to many worthwhile endeavours in our community. Our members often volunteer at community events as part of our commitment to good citizenship. Here are a few recent examples:

Bravery Beads
Earth Day Trash Bash
Lambton Shores Open House
HOBY Event
Much Music Youth Dance
Bosanquet School Breakfast Program
Hillside School Playground Equipment
Fighting Invasive Species in our Wetlands and ANSI

Working together with Lambton Shores Nature Trails to establish a beautiful trail head and "Heart of the Trails" garden at the Community Center.

Fighting phragmites on L Lake in Port Franks - a provincially and nationally significant wetland that is facing a serious threat from this invasive plant. 

Our Club set out to collect 100 NEW items in the 2018-19 Optimist 100th Anniversary Year.  Fran Bell asked that Club members donate Adult or Children’s Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Slippers, socks or underwear and also travel sized toiletries. How wonderful that our club surpassed this goal bringing in 400 items! These items will  be turned over to Lambton County charities including Women’s Interval House and Inn of the Good Shepherd.  

The Lambton Shores Lightning are the Ontario Rural Softball Association bantam girls’ champions in 2019 and  qualified for the 2019 Youth Softball Nationals  held in Elizabethtown, Ky., in July.The team is in its third year and plays its home games in Arkona. Here APF President and SWONT Lt. Governor Walter Michielsens and President Elect Fran Bell present cheques to support these young athletes in their endeavour.

Back row: Councillor Lorie Scott; Savanna and Trish Wilcox of the Lambton Lightning, APF President and SWONT Lt. Gov. Walter Michielsens,   Front Row:  APF President Elect Fran Bell   Photo credit: Garrett Pedlar

Thank you Optimist President Walter Michielsens and Director-Elect Kim Kowall!! President-Elect Fran Bell who volunteers at the Thedford Country Manor, was concerned that the residents had a raised bed to plant veggies but no soil. Walter made it happen with help from Kim. Thanks to a donation of plants from Roelands Plants, the residents soon had a great garden!

"So thankful for the Port Franks Optimists who have invested and encouraged the youth in our community. Bosanquet Graduates and families were treated to the incredible selfless work and love shown as this wonderful group cooked and served the Graduation dinner! Thankful for their example in investing in the next generation!" - grateful parent Heather Jennings   July 7, 2018

Community Projects

Our club has contributed funding and many hours of 'sweat equity' to help make our community's visions realities!