Who we are...

The Optimist Club of Norwich & District includes over 40 volunteer members from all walks of life from all over Norwich Township. We are part of a worldwide organization called Optimist International which consists of over 80,000 members.

LOOKING FOR COMING EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS?

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Dollars donated to the community
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Community organizations donated to each year
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Raised to build and maintain the Opti-mist splash pad
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Members & GRowing

Why our members chose to join

Here is just a few reasons why some of our members decided to join The Optimist Club of Norwich & District

Clayton Tokarz
Charter Member
2023/2024 President

When I was young, there was an Optimist Club in town that did things in the community to give us activities to do. Later in life when I learned The Optimist Club had closed and others were looking to start up a new Optimist Club, I realized that it was my turn to give back to the community that had gave so much to me and other children when we were young. I am very proud to have the opportunity to work with such a great organization and such a great group of members. To see the smiles on the kids faces at our events is very rewarding and reassures me that what we are doing something good in our community.

Hayley Morrison
Member For 7 Years


Having grown up in the town of Norwich, with a family that was passionate about giving back to the community – it was an easy decision to when my mother (an Optimist Club) member asked me to join the Club and take part in all of the events and activities that the club hosts in efforts to raise funds for the children in the community. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to get my high-school community hours, but to also give back to the town. It’s also an experience that’s helped me build lasting friendships, gain experience for things I never thought I’d get the chance to do, and having fun while doing it!

Celina Burton
Member For 2 Years


I joined the Optimist Club of Norwich & District soon after we relocated our family to the beautiful town of Norwich. I grew up in the community and upon coming back to where I grew up, and now currently work, it was an easy decision to join the Optimist Club and it has turned out to be an amazing decision. I am so excited to show my children all of the many exciting activities that I remember doing when I was their age. Being so involved in our community and being able to give back fills me with purpose and sense of community.  Seeing all of the smiling faces at so many events that we support and host is truly amazing.

Elizabeth Greer
New Member


My family moved to the area 12 years ago and for the last 3 years we lived in Norwich. Needing something fulfilling to fill my time, I joined the Optimist club. The Optimist Creed aligned with my daily goals in life and I knew it worked for me. Seeing how much they did for the community, I wanted to inspire others of all ages. My passion is to encourage our youth to give of themselves and their time to the community they live in, and the activities they grew up participating in. The optimist Club values every person of this community and the events they host, some alongside other organizations, make Norwich a community I’m proud to be a part of.

What Our Community Partners Have To Say

Norwich Youth Unlimited YFC
is a non profit organization that relies on generous people, businesses, churches and clubs, to run our free to all programs. The Norwich & District Optimist Club play a very important role in supporting our youth through financial, monthly provision of a healthy meal for our supper club program, donations towards our Community Christmas dinners and gift bags and much more. The Optimist Club have been very quick to help us with any needs that arise. We are very grateful for the partnership we have with the Optimist Club. Together we are providing a brighter future for our youth.
Jacqueline Armstrong
Director, Norwich Youth Unlimited YFC