Members from the Nanaimo chapter of Altrusa International load up cars to drop off over 1,400 muffins to a local elementary school. (submitted photo/Trudi Margueratt)

By Alex Rawnsley

STOCK THE FREEZERS

Nanaimo group serve up 1,400+ muffins to local elementary school

Oct 26, 2021 | 7:03 AM

NANAIMO — No doubt you know the muffin man, but have you heard of the muffin ladies?

Altrusa International of Nanaimo members, family and friends recently made, packed and delivered a staggering 119.5 dozen muffins, or 1,434 individual snacks, to help stock the freezers at Georgia Avenue Elementary School.

Trudi Margueratt, club president, told NanaimoNewsNOW the massive bake-off occurs twice a year in October and March and has helped kids at the school stay focused on their studies instead of their stomachs since 2016.

“We knew that there was a real need with kids that go without breakfast, go without lunches so we thought we would fill that need by baking muffins.”

Each batch is a little different, providing variety for kids at the school although Margueratt said chocolate chip was the overwhelming favourite.

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In the five years members have baked muffins, they’ve consistently served up more with each visit.

“Last time I believe it was 117 dozen, the time before was around 102, the time before that was about 95 so each time we keep going up and up and up.”

The program hits on a key pillar for Altrusa, an international volunteer organization, focusing on projects which help woman and children, or boosts literacy.

Volunteers collect and deliver books to homebound seniors every three weeks, providing a vital lifeline to the outside world for those stuck at home. (submitted photo/Trudi Margueratt)

When not baking, members also carry on a long-standing program in the region which connects homebound seniors with new reading materials.

Originally started by the Boy Scouts in 1967, Altrusa members now collect and deliver thousands of books, DVD’s and CD’s each year to local seniors living home alone or in care.

Margueratt said deliveries are made every three weeks year round with seniors able to customize their deliveries to suit their likes and dislikes.

“There are a lot of elderly people who have no family, they can’t get out and this is their only link to the outside world. It’s really a vital service for them.”

Vision impaired individuals also have the option to receive large print or audio books with earpieces and devices provided.

Those interested can sign up through the Vancouver Island Regional Library by calling 250 753 1154 or emailing na1@virl.bc.ca and ask for the Altrusa Library Book Delivery Service.

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

alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley