FAQs
Ask us anything!
Check out our frequently asked questions and find the answers you need!
General
Q: What are the Club opening hours?
A: The Club is open from 7:30am—3:30pm every day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Please note that the kitchen closes at 2pm for food. Meetings and events can be held after hours.
Q: Can I enter the Club if I’m not a member of AA (or related programs)?
A: Absolutely, we are family and community friendly! Please do note that to ensure the safety and respect of our other members and guests, we expect all guests to uphold the Club’s Code of Conduct.
Q: What is the monthly membership fee?
A: Our affordable membership fees are $7 per month for a single person, and $10 per month for a family. This ensures that cost is not a barrier for our community. To join or cancel your membership, simply see the staff member on duty at the restaurant.
Q: Is Alano Club the same as Alcoholics Anonymous?
A: No, they are not the same. AA is a fellowship of people dedicated to recovering from alcoholism. Alano Clubs were founded in order to give AA groups a more permanent place to meet. These are two separate organizations; Alano Clubs support AA meetings and other addiction recovery-focused groups.
Q: What is the history of the Alano Clubs around the world?
A: By its own traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) cannot finance or lend its name to any outside organization, so “clubhouses” for recovering alcoholics sprang up in the 1930s soon after AA’s founding. Initially called “24-Hour Clubs”, and operated apart from AA by recovering alcoholics, these institutions met the need amongst recovering people and their families for companionship and sober recreation, and soon came to be called “AA’s second miracle.”
Alano Clubs are the most common among the thousands of recovery clubs around the world that provide a safe haven to travelers who are recovering alcoholics and addicts as well as a social hub for the local recovery community.
Q: I use a wheelchair. Is the Club accessible to people who use mobility devices or who are disabled?
A: Yes, our Club has a ramp into our building. Please not however that our downstairs meeting room is not wheelchair accessible, and we do not have an elevator in the building.
Q: Is the Abbotsford Alano Club on Social Media?
A: Yes! We encourage you to like and follow us on Facebook. Social media is a great way to get the latest and greatest Club updates and it is a great way to stay plugged in!
Meetings & Community
Q: Do I need to be a member of the Club to attend meetings?
A: No, you don’t need to be a member to come to our Club or to attend recovery meetings.
Abbotsford Alano Club is open to everyone, so just come as you are! If you become a regular, we’d love for you to think about becoming a member to support our mission. By becoming a Club member, your monthly pledges ensure that we can cover our operating expenses and always be here for those who need us. Join us at Abbotsford Alano Club Society and discover the amazing power of community and support.
Q: Will my anonymity be protected?
A: Yes. All programs and participants that we host honour anonymity. The Alano Clubs and the recovery programs believe that this is crucial to the recovery process.
Q: What are Closed and Open meetings?
A: Open meetings are open to the public, including observing non-participants. Closed meetings exclude students or professionals who want to come in to observe for their college class or job.
Q: Is there a fee to attend a meeting?
A: There is no required fee to attend meetings. However, it is traditional that each group being fully self-supporting, the groups generally pass a basket for donations to cover the room rent. Do not feel obligated, but when you feel so moved, please give as you are able.
Q: Can I come and hang out in the Club restaurant before or after the meetings?
A: Yes! We encourage people to spend time in the Club restaurant together! Come and hang out in our restaurant and enjoy the music, free WiFi, and fellowship! We encourage and welcome everyone to come and kick back in our recreational if it helps you stay sober.
Immediate Help
Q: I need to talk to someone about my drinking now. Is there someone I can call?
A: Yes! Call the Abbotsford Alcoholics Anonymous 24 Hour AA Helpline at 604-615-2911. We also have important information on our Resources page.
Q: I need to talk to someone about substance abuse (Drugs or Alcohol) right now. Whom do I call?
A: Call the Alcohol and Drug Info and Referral Service on 1-800-663-1441. Trained staff will provide you with information and referrals, as well as emergency support. We also have important information on our Resources page.
Support & Funding
Q: Does the Abbotsford Alano Club receive any City, Provincial, or Federal Funding?
A: Not for the day-to-day running of operations. We occasionally apply for funding for larger projects that could be covered by City, Provincial, or Federal grants.
The Abbotsford Alano Club Society is a not-for-profit society and CRA-registered charity, which means whatever you can give is tax deductible. Please consider donating today to potentially transform a life and our community.
Q: Why does the Abbotsford Alano Club hold outside fundraising events?
A: We exist to provide a very important service to our community, but it takes funds to keep our doors open and offer the amenities (restaurant, licensing, insurance, etc.) that we offer. With your support, we are grateful to keep our doors open all day long. Our fundraisers ensure our ability to maintain Club operations. Please see our Events Calendar for more information!