The Optimist Club leases Kimball Hall from the municipality of Lambton Shores in order to provide services and events which benefit the region’s kids.
The Hall space consists of a board room, kitchen, a large hall and stage, as well as washrooms. The Hall is licensed and can accommodate nearly 300 persons.
Direct services provided by the Club at the site include such events as the Teen Dances and Camp Foodie.
In addition to such direct services, the Hall is also leased out to various groups such as Yoga, Summer Bible Camp, Rebound, and the “Pie Ladies”.
Other services run by the Club members off-site in the community include: Junior, intermediate, and senior basketball, tri-star volleyball, junior golf, Lambton Shores lightening baseball, and the Regional Youth Film Competition run in partnership with the local Kiwanis Club.
Through the profits by volunteering at local bingos and sponsoring community events, the Club can support a plethora of local causes, including: the Legion Poppy Fund, NLSS Art Award, Pickleball shed, Camp Foodie, Conductive Education, CCOF, Bravery Beads, Gym horn, and scoreboard, Canadian Cancer – Wheels of Hope, Canada Day Celebrations, Kineto 2020 renewal project (3 years), Ringette, Silver Stick trophy, Alhambra Golf Tournament, and H.O.B.Y.
Food Drive 2020
On November 7,2020 a county wide food drive known as the Neighbour 2 Neighbour was held. The Optimist Club of Forest took the lead covering the north end of the county known as Lambton Shores. There were food drop off points at the EMS bases in Grand Bend, Thedford, and Forest as well as the Fire Hall in Arkona and Kimball Hall in Forest. Many people volunteered and high school students helped out which enabled them to earn their community service hours. The food was stored at the Optimist Club for sorting and quarantine before being delivered to Contact House Food Bank in Forest. Approximately 6500 pounds of food was collected.
Upcoming Events
Because of the Covid pandemic, many of the programs traditionally sponsored or run by the Club have been put on hold. It is the hope, however, that they will again be active, once it is safe to do so.
