A Brief History
The Optimist Club of Niagara Falls was established in 1936 and was considered a “ business mans” club. Their main focus was to support the youth of the community, hence the moto “ Friends of Youth”
In the late 1940's the club purchased their first club house, a small building on North St. at which time they founded the Optimist Air Cadets.
In the early 1960's the club built the 1st Boys & Girls Club on Carlton St.
The mid 1960's marked a big chance for the club. They purchased 30+ acres of land at the corner of Dorchester Rd. and Morrison St. and built the 1st section of the new Optimist Club which was a small hall and garage. In 1967 they expanded the building making a larger hall and in 1988 built a 2nd separate building for the Optimist Youth BLDG. The new building housed clubs like the Air Cadets, Cubs, Beavers & Scouts as well as the Girls Minor Soft Ball and a new garage and canteen.
In 2012 the club was set to be remodelled and given a modern touch. The two buildings that were built in the 1960's and in 1988 were demolished and a brand new state of the art building has taken its place. The facility offers various meeting rooms, a ball room that can host up to 300 people and stunning pavilion and play center.
Since it's inception, the Optimist Club of Niagara Falls has sponsored and is still sponsoring several organizations and groups as well as holding club events.
Optimist 126th Air Cadets • Niagara Minor Girls Softball • Athletic Niagara
Niagara Falls Minor Boys Hockey • Niagara Falls Minor Girls Hockey • Greater Niagara Baseball Association
Mayors Youth Advisory Committee • Tender Wishes • Optimist Childhood Cancer Program
Racing Against Drugs • Respect For Law Awards Night • United Way
Police Association Children's Christmas Party • Bursaries to the 5 City High Schools • Optimist Children Park
Boys & Girls Club • Canada Day Celebrations • Canadian Blood Services • Woodcarvers Show
Railroad Collections Show • Optimist International Foundation • Central Ontario Leadership Seminar
Niagara Regional Safety Village • Niagara Block Parent Student Identification Fingerprint Program • YMCA
Bike Safety Week • Hall Rentals
Our Mission
Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.
Vision: Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purposes: To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world