Our History

On March 3, 1980, fifteen people met at the home of Al Zacharias to discuss their concerns about the increasing number of abortions being done in our country. They decided to form a pro-life society in Chilliwack. On June 5, the founding members adopted a constitution and bylaws and the society was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization with the Registrar of Companies in Victoria. In July 1980, the society opened its first office on Mary Street in a building donated by the Roman Catholic Church of Chilliwack. The office was staffed by volunteers and was open through the week. Even though Registered Charitable Organization status was not awarded until June 1981, by September 15, 1980 there were already 441 members in the society. Since then its membership, which is non-sectarian and open to all pro-lifers whether Christian or not, has grown to over 1,000 and reaches from as far as Hope to Yarrow, including Cultus Lake.

At Chilliwack Pro-Life’s beginnings, there was a great deal of concern among its members about the Chilliwack General Hospital Society (CGHS) and their stance on abortion. The CGHS board members were elected members of the local community, who were voted onto the board at the Annual General Meeting. Members of the pro-life society joined the CGHS in droves in order that their voice would be heard. Thanks to their active participation, the new CGHS board was dominated by pro-life people and thus we were ensured at that time that Chilliwack General Hospital continued to be a life-preserving place of healing. Eventually this fell out of our hands as board members were no longer voted to the board in this manner, but rather were government appointed.

In early 1981, the Youth for Life sector of the Chilliwack Pro-Life Society was founded and many young people became very involved. The society also started a pregnancy counselling centre where women experiencing a crisis pregnancy could come for help and assistance. In 1997, it expanded its counselling services to include post-abortion help as well.

Chilliwack Pro-Life Society has made itself visible through its annual Walk for Life, Life Chains, billboard campaigns, participation in Showmart, the Chilliwack Exhibition, and various parades including Christmas and Country Living Days, and by hosting educational seminars and conferences.