By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Rod McKenzie and Clem Vilandra didn’t know each other when they signed on as founding members of the Optimist Club of Chatham in May 1980.
But 45 years later, the two are close friends and neighbours, having worked together on countless initiatives for youth with the service club that has funneled $200,000 back to kids in the last 10 years.
McKenzie, affectionately known as “Walter Matthau” to his fellow Optimists, was a young Chatham public school teacher when he joined.
He did so because he liked the club’s goals.
“We were happy with the focus of the club and that’s why we got involved,” McKenzie said in a recent interview, joking that while he “loved” his role with the Optimists “he couldn’t get out of it.”
Along with being the first president, McKenzie has led the club five times.
Vilandra, a custodial worker with the Catholic school board, said he joined because he knew a lot of kids and wanted to help them succeed.
“Playing sports is so expensive and this is a way to help,” he said, noting the club has provided uniforms for dozens of teams in its history.
The Optimist presence in Chatham dates back to the 1920s, however, the original charter had lapsed. A group of Chathamites decided to begin anew. In 1980, 35 people came together to form the current club, which now has 30 members.
The club also has a dozen “friends and helpers” who pitch in when they can.
There’s a Junior Optimist group as well. It provides an opportunity for high school students to get the 40 volunteer hours needed for graduation. Those who serve throughout secondary school careers are eligible for a small bursary for post-secondary education.
According to McKenzie, the Optimists have an annual budget of $40,000, with the money going to a wide range of efforts from everything to sports uniforms, to sponsoring oratorical contests, to funding programs such as the CK Cyber Pack robotics club.
McKenzie said that, along with bingo, the club’s major fundraiser is its popular food truck. He’s in charge of the truck that sets up at events such as RetroFest, noting volunteers have a lot of fun dishing up burgers and fries.
Having a good time is important, current president Perry Hegmans added, as every organization is competing for volunteers in an aging population.
“It’s fun,” he said of the food truck. “Those who never worked at McDonald’s get their chance to relive their childhood.”
Club secretary Chris Deline said the idea for marking the club’s 45th anniversary came while reviewing newspaper clippings from the past. That’s led to the idea of holding a celebration later this year.
“We’re still working on the details,” he added.
Deline said being an Optimist “is a way to socialize and you stay with it because the club members become your friends. And so that’s your community. If you’re looking for some community time, we always have our doors open.”
The Optimist Club of Chatham meets every third Sunday at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham at 9 a.m. If interested in becoming a member or volunteering with an event, email [email protected].
