One of the Optimist Club of Stanley Park's annual projects has been providing financial support to the students of Grand River Collegiate for the hosting of their annual Student and Senior Christmas Tea.  2018, the 27th annual event, was as big and successful as the previous ones and kept alive a now a well-established afternoon tradition (held the first Wednesday in December) that provides an opportunity for students to make connections with seniors in the community -- and Optimist members!.

In 2018, in addition to GRCI students and some of their family members, seniors attended from local establishments including: Victoria Place, Conestoga Lodge, Doon Village Retirement Home, Trinity Village, Winston Park, Highland Place, Countryside Retirement Home, Pine Haven, and Sunnyside Retirement Residence. The event featured an afternoon of entertainment showcasing the musical talents of both students and staff and refreshments prepared by GRCI’s hospitality classes. In total, well over 400 students participated in a various capacities: table hosts, musicians, performers, food preparers, servers, decorators, organizers, tech crew, stage crew and Santa's helpers. Over 30 staff members also volunteered their time to coordinate, organize, and facilitate this great community outreach event.

Well done GRCI for giving back to your community and starting the festive season off in the spirit it was meant to be celebrated! We're glad we were able to help!

The photo above is from the 2007 Tea while the one below is from 2018. Covid restrictions brought a sudden end to the program as schools closed.  

PHOTO: (L-R) Optimists Agnes Gillick and Rick & Aldene Waud represented the Club at GRCI's annual Seniors' Christmas Tea that was held on Dec. 5, 2018. They had great seats for the entertainment and refreshments and enjoyed the company of GRCI students Veronika and Amy who had volunteered to help at the event as hostesses. Thanks girls, well done! (Each table had student volunteers who joined the guests and enhanced the experience for all.)

Seasons Greetings!