The Kiwanis Club of Nanaimo Sunrisers has helped youth for roughly one century. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

volunteers

Long-time Nanaimo Kiwanis club closing as membership dwindles

Jul 10, 2021 | 5:55 AM

NANAIMO — A volunteer club which has existed in Nanaimo for roughly 100 years is now at risk of folding.

The Kiwanis Club of Nanaimo Sunrisers, which hosts events for Nanaimo youth, will end this fall if new members don’t sign up.

Club Secretary Sue Carlson told NanaimoNewsNOW they recognize it can be tough to find time to volunteer but all the effort is rewarding.

“There’s so much that you do just because you enjoy watching the results, but it does take a certain amount of commitment to make sure it happens.”

The Club hosts three main events each year providing prizes and entertainment to children.

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The Special Needs Childrens’ Christmas Party is closest to Carlson’s heart.

It’s held at Bowen Park the first Sunday of December with lunch, presents and an appearance from Santa.

Carlson said they often hear from parents and caregivers it’s the only large event for children with developmental difficulties.

“For the first year one child came and sat in the corridor and watched. He couldn’t come inside because it was too noisy, there were too many children, it was overwhelming. The second year he actually sat inside. I think it was around the fourth or fifth year he actually went up and got his present. It was a growing experience for him year after year.”

The Kiwanis Club of Nanaimo Sunrisers also hosts a well-attended Bullhead Derby at the Brechin Rd. Boat Ramp, where many kids get to fish for the first time.

A Kids Appreciation Day event has been hosted for years at the water park built by the club in Departure Bay.

Carlson said seeing the smile on children’s face is a wonderful reward for the effort put into each event.

Kiwanis Club membership renews on Oct. 1. Carlson said the group will have no choice but to wind down if there isn’t an influx of people eager to help and organize events.

She estimated the Club could continue with between eight and 10 new members.

Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to the club online at nanaimo.sunrisers@gmail.com

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt