Altrusa of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
ABOUT US
Welcome! The name Altrusa is based on the word "altruism" -- concern for the well-being of others. We're a service club (not a social club) on Vancouver Island, and have helped our community since 1953. We're a fun-loving bunch of volunteers who focus on supporting women, children and literacy. We contribute about $30,000 each year to our community.
Our members have a variety of hands-on activities to chose from, and each Altrusan decides how and where they'd like to contribute. Altrusa has built strong partnerships with Nanaimo's social service agencies. As the needs in our community evolve, so do our projects; so there's always something new happening!
We have two meetings each month: (1) a Business Meeting focuses on what's happening in our club; (2) a Lunch Meeting focuses on what's happening in our community, usually with a guest speaker. An elected Board of Directors oversees our club. And we're all volunteers.
The Altrusa Club of Nanaimo is a registered non-profit organization under British Columbia's Societies Act and has no political or religious affiliation. We're also part of a world-wide organization (Altrusa International Inc.). The Nanaimo Club is in Altrusa's District Twelve -- the Pacific Northwest of North America.
We're always looking for new members and invite you to enjoy the fun, friendship, and satisfaction of working together to help others.
SERVICE PROJECTS
WEED WENCHES: Altrusans maintain the grounds at Haven House, a shelter for women and children.
ALTRUSA VENTURE PARK: Altrusans are best-known for this popular playground on Bowen Road.
MUFFINS: Altrusans bake nourishing snacks for an inner-city school.
CARE ITEMS: Altrusans provide three emergency shelters with essentials such as toiletries, towels, underwear, bedding,, etc.
STORYWALK: Altrusans distribute free books, magazine subscriptions, crafts, food and fun at the Altrusa playground.
INTERNATIONAL PROJECT: Altrusans recognize our global community with a small project, such as training a librarian in Guatemala.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: Altrusans provide hands-on help at Loaves & Fishes Food Bank, Nanaimo Bathtub Races, Nanaimo Women Helping Women, Rotary Book Sale, Nanaimo Toy Drive, etc.
EDUCATIONAL BURSARIES: Altrusans provide $12,000 worth of scholarships to help students of all ages.
To apply for the "Project Re-Entry" bursary, please use the following form:
FUNDRAISERS
Altrusa hosts a few FUNdraisers of our own, but most of our revenue comes from various grants. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from:
-- Altrusa International Foundation
-- City of Nanaimo
-- Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
-- Nanaimo Foundation
-- Province of British Columbia
Contributions from the public are welcome and every cent goes toward our service projects. To donate, please contact us at nanaimo.altrusa@gmail.com
DOOR SWAGS: Altrusans make and sell decorations at Christmas time.
GARDEN TOUR: Altrusans welcome the public to six lovely gardens every June."NIGHT OWLS" BASEBALL: Altrusans sell 50/50 tickets at the summer games.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: Altrusans have a table in this community event .
MEMBERSHIP
The Altrusa Club of Nanaimo currently has 34 friendly members. All genders are welcome. We come from many different backgrounds and have one thing in common -- the desire to build a stronger community.
We may work hard, but we have fun too! There are social get-togethers, a book club, and road trips to Conferences and Retreats where we connect with other Altrusans. There are lots of opportunities for personal and leadership growth -- at the Club, District and International levels of our organization. Participate as much or as little as you wish.
New member dues are $115 (Canadian Dollars), then $100 each year. Our year runs from June 1 to May 31 and dues are pro-rated accordingly. These funds cover our operating expenses, such as meals for speakers, insurance, etc. Guests are welcome at meetings and service projects to see if we're a "good fit". We're always on the look-out for energetic, service-minded people who enjoy working with others. Contact us at nanaimo.altrusa@gmail.com.
Check out our Facebook page ...
BUSINESS MEETINGS:
2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM
NANAIMO SENIORS VILLAGE (Dover Room)
6089 Uplands Drive, Nanaimo
Lane to the rear parking lot is on the north side of the property
LUNCH MEETINGS:
4th Tuesday of the month, 12:00 noon
MONTANA'S BBQ & BAR
4715 Rutherford Road, Nanaimo
Outside Nanaimo North Town Centre
No meetings in July, August & December.
CONTACT US:
Email address: nanaimo.altrusa@gmail.com
NANAIMO CLUB'S 2025-26
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
PRESIDENT: Trudi
VICE PRESIDENT: Rosanna
PAST PRESIDENT: Vicki
TREASURER: Carol
SECRETARY: Cheryl
DIRECTORS: Bobbie, ZoeAnn
We are grateful to live on the beautiful traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.