The well-known and well-respected, Friendly City Optimist Club of Moose Jaw hit a major milestone in August.  

The club celebrated its 60th anniversary in August, and since its inception back in 1962, has been heavily involved within the Moose Jaw community.  

Lloyd Pethick, an Optimist Club member, has been a part of the group for about 36 years and says this milestone means a lot.  

“To me, it’s just the feeling of being able to help the community and support the various things that go on in the community,” says Pethick. “I feel that if you can keep kids involved in various activities then it’s a much better way to go. This makes me feel pretty good.” 

“It’s a good feeling that we’ve made 60 years in Moose Jaw as an organization,” adds Pethick. 

For those that are unaware, the club was charted on August 20, 1962, and went under the name the Moose Jaw Optimist Club, which was sponsored by the Regina Optimist Club. In 1986, the Band City Optimist Club was charted.  

After years, of working together the two clubs joined forces back in May 2005 and changed their name to what it is today the Friendly City Optimist Club of Moose Jaw.  

When they joined forces, they retained the original Moose Jaw club number, as well as the charter number, which began back in 1962.  

Pethick says that the club is very involved in the community, especially with the kids of Moose Jaw, and their motto for the club is “A Friend of a Youth”.  

“We sponsor various programs and school scholarships. We support and sponsor the Minor Girls Fastball at Optimist Park on South Hill, and we give to the pediatrics at the Moose Jaw Hospital, about $300 a year at Christmas time. We have various BBQs throughout the city for various events, and the Canada Day celebrations at Cresent Park.” 

Many of the club’s members have served as Lt. Governors as well as served on various District Committees over the years.  

Looking back at records over the years, a total of 77 deletions. Pethick says that currently, the club is sitting at 38 members, which is comprised of five from the previous Moose Jaw Optimist Club and eight from the Band City club.  

Their district spans from Northern Wyoming, to Alberta, Montana, and all of Saskatchewan.  

Anyone in Moose Jaw or the surrounding area that is interested in becoming an Optimist Club member can contact them through their website.