Children in Overbrook have enjoyed a great soccer season so far, largely thanks to the efforts of the East Ottawa Optimist Club.
The optimists have been donating to the Overbrook Community Centre for many years, said club president Sandy Kilby. This year’s donation of $1,700 covered much of what young people in the area need to play, helping to lower the cost and allowing everyone to participate.
“Anything the community centre needs, we work hard to provide,” Kilby said.
The club makes these donations possible by holding weekly euchre tournaments and a hosting a flea market table at Lansdowne Park. Now with the newly renovated community centre complete and larger rooms to accommodate crowds, Kilby is looking forward to the potential of holding more events at the centre to raise money.
The average donations the club can manage are about $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 and Kilby said this donation is always a great one to give because it ensures that every child, regardless of income, can play soccer with their friends.
Michelle Stephenson, Overbrook Community Centre’s program coordinator said these donations are very important to the centre and to the programs she runs.
“They give every year and it is great,” Stephenson said.
The soccer season started mid-May, and although weather gave the children some trouble, but Stephenson said they all had a great time.