The Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club's application to the Canadian Children Optimist's Foundation to help a local boy was recently approved, offering fundraising opportunities.

The organization will facilitate donations from the public and provide income tax receipts, but is not donating directly. Acceptance means the official fundraiser can start and will be seen across Canada.

Project Malik is an initiative to help Malik, an eleven-year-old local boy who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when a toddler. For privacy reasons, Malik's family asked that their last name be withheld from the story. The disease is a severe genetic type which primarily affects boys and shortens lifespans.

Malik's long-term needs are estimated at $75,000 over a three-year time-period. He will need many specialized devices including lifts and wheelchairs. The Optimist Club is seeking monetary donations for Project Malik, an ongoing project. Malik's family said they are grateful for the assistance and support.

For more information, contact cluboptimistecarlsbad@gmail.com.

Here is the CJRO interview with one of the Optimist organizers Lucie Regimbald: