The North Okanagan Optimists want to celebrate a remarkable kid and needs the community’s help.
The first junior good citizen of the year will be awarded in 2024 to a resident of Greater Vernon between the ages of eight and 18, sponsored by Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers.
The junior good citizen of the year is a child who actively participates in the betterment of their community.
Therefore the Optimists are looking for a great volunteer, cheerleader, friend and role model, which a lot of different youths have the potential to be.
“The mission statement of Optimist International is to bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves, therefore we feel recognizing a junior good citizen is just right for our local club,” said event chair Kathleen Dubois.
This award is based on the long standing Good Citizen of the Year that is awarded by JCI Vernon.
“The Optimists club is to provide opportunity for youth so this partnership is a great fit for our club,” said Dubois.
The award will be presented in January 2024 and will include a chance to recognize the winner with a gift and an opportunity for them to direct a corporate donation to the charity of their choice.
Anyone can nominate: teacher, neighbour, parent, peer…you name it.
“We want to hear about all the wonderful kids in the city we love,” Dubois said.
The winner will be chosen by the Optimists and legal guardians will be contacted for discussion prior to any accolades.
Nomination letters including details, nominators contact information and if possible the contact information for the child’s legal guardian, can be sent to kathleenrmt@shaw.ca. Nominations are open until Friday, Dec. 1.
Locally the Optimists chapter runs many projects, like the Heritage Fair and Stamp Design Competition, Unplug and Play events and toy boxes, youth photo and essay contest, and provide hundreds of hours of volunteer work towards local events for happy, healthy kids.
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