After World War II the Veterans returned to Nanaimo. Many of them were looking for something to give them some purpose in the community. In late 1945 and early 1946 the ground work was laid and these veterans decided to charter a Lions Club. Some of those who were in on the early planning were Joe Bertram, Haig Burns, Clyde Nicholson, Art Spencer, Sheldon Spurr, Grant Williams, Thomas Cramb, Eric Kneen, Harvey Murphy, Lloyd Bertram, Dr. Gordon Blott, Dr. John Baldwin and Clifford Bertram.

Ladysmith Lions Club were the sponsoring club and Gabriel Brown was installed as the Charter President in March 1947. From that date on to the present the Nanaimo Lions Club has played an integral part in the community raising funds to help those in need, building many community structures and offering an opportunity to citizens of Nanaimo to Serve their community and the people.