MP Mark Strahl Highlights the Lifesaving Work of Chilliwack’s Alano Club During Recent Visit

In a heartening display of community support, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack—Hope, Mark Strahl, recently visited the Alano Club of Chilliwack, where he praised the organization’s enduring impact on the lives of those battling addiction. Describing the club as a “vital resource” in the community, Strahl emphasized its role as a beacon of hope for individuals on the path to recovery.

The visit, which took place earlier this month, underscores the Alano Club’s growing visibility after more than four decades of quiet, steadfast service. Located at 46035 Victoria Avenue in the heart of Chilliwack, the club has been a haven since the 1950s, offering a welcoming space for people to gather, socialize, and support one another in their journeys toward sobriety. During his tour, Strahl met with key figures, including Alano Club Society Vice President Don Murphy and President George Pound, who shared stories of the club’s daily operations and its profound community influence.

“For over 40 years, the Chilliwack Alano Club has been a vital resource in our community, providing a welcoming space for those recovering from addiction,” Strahl said in a statement shared on social media following the visit. “Thank you for the difference you are making in people’s lives.” Accompanying his words was a short video clip capturing the warm interactions and the club’s inviting atmosphere, further amplifying the message of appreciation.

The Alano Club isn’t just a meeting spot—it’s a lifeline. Each month, the facility sees between 3,500 and 4,000 visits, many from repeat guests committed to maintaining their sober and clean living. The organization hosts a variety of 12-step programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sessions, and other support groups tailored to diverse needs. Beyond structured gatherings, it offers casual drop-in opportunities, a resource library stocked with books and sobriety milestone items like medallions and chips, and even outreach services such as in-home and hospital visits.

Murphy, speaking to local media ahead of Strahl’s arrival, highlighted the club’s mission to raise its public profile amid ongoing challenges with substance use in Chilliwack. “We know there’s still a huge problem with drugs and alcohol in Chilliwack,” he noted. “The more people know about us, and decide to support us, the more people we can help.” The club connects individuals to broader resources, including referrals to youth shelters like the Cyrus Centre and local emergency accommodations, reinforcing its position as a key connector in the community’s recovery ecosystem.

Strahl’s endorsement comes at a pivotal time for the Alano Club, which operates without regular government funding and relies heavily on donations, sponsorships, and gaming grants to cover essentials like building maintenance, staff wages, and program costs. Past financial hurdles, including a near-closure scare in 2019 due to repair needs like a new hot water tank, have tested the organization’s resilience, but community-driven campaigns—such as a GoFundMe effort—have kept its doors open.

As a lifelong Chilliwack resident and Conservative MP since 2011, Strahl has long championed local initiatives that strengthen social fabrics. His visit aligns with broader efforts to address the opioid crisis and mental health challenges plaguing Canadian communities. “It was a pleasure meeting with The Alano Club of Chilliwack,” Strahl posted on X (formerly Twitter), linking to coverage in the *Chilliwack Progress* for those eager to learn more.

The Alano Club’s story is one of quiet heroism: a nondescript building on Victoria Avenue that passersby might overlook, yet inside, lives are transformed daily. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays until 4 p.m., it remains accessible to anyone seeking support—no membership fees or judgments required. For Murphy and Pound, Strahl’s recognition is more than symbolic; it’s a call to action for businesses, philanthropists, and residents to step up as donors and advocates.

In an era where addiction recovery resources are stretched thin, the Alano Club stands as a testament to grassroots determination. As Strahl aptly put it, it’s not just a club—it’s a cornerstone of hope in Chilliwack. Those interested in supporting the cause can visit the club’s Facebook page or website at chilliwackaa.ca for donation details and upcoming events.

For more information on the Alano Club or to get involved, contact them at (604) 792-9099 or email chillanoclub@gmail.com. In the words of its leaders, every contribution counts toward brighter tomorrows for those in recovery.