Guest Blog: Enhancing communities by supporting lifelong learning for women
CFUW Saanich Peninsula is one of more than 90 individual clubs under the umbrella of the national organization CFUW, formerly the Canadian Federation of University Women, first founded in 1919. CFUW now works under its’ acronym, a change to make the club more inclusive, highlighting that a university degree is no longer a requirement of membership. CFUW works to improve the status of women and to promote human rights, public education, social justice and peace. CFUW is a self-funded Canadian organization of more than 6,700 women. Each year the clubs grant over $1 million in scholarships and awards.
CFUW Saanich Peninsula was founded in 1995, celebrating our 30-year anniversary this year. We advocate for the education, health, human rights and social wellbeing of women and girls, and society as a whole. The partnership between our Education Trust Fund and the Victoria Foundation’s hosted organization program has allowed us to establish a fund that generates enough income to support one of the four awards we give to each high school in District 63. In addition to this, our club has fundraised to fund endowments and trusts that give yearly awards and scholarships at the University of Victoria and Camosun College.
While fundraising to provide for the education of young women is a pivotal part of our organization, we are also a social club that aims to foster lifelong learning amongst our members and the community. We regularly host educational speakers at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney. Past topics include Climate Action in the Capital Region, A Woman’s Perspective on Education, History, Justice, and Dementia Friendly Communities. A list of upcoming speakers can be found on our website in the Events tab. These events are open to the public, as well as our members
One of the most ambitious projects taken on by CFUW Saanich Peninsula was the organization of C.A.R.E. Fair (Community Attachment to Resources and Engagement) for Seniors, a one-day free information forum held at Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney on June 6 2024. There were 60 service organizations and agencies who provided face-to-face, real-time information, giving attendees a chance to ask questions, get brochures, and have conversations about how to age in place. Eleven presentations throughout the day featured experts on a variety of topics. This event was part of CFUW Saanich Peninsula’s efforts to strengthen and advocate for age-friendly communities and to empower the 1,100 attendees in their efforts to age well and healthily.
CFUW Saanich Peninsula aims to enrich the lives of its members. We hold social events throughout the year for club members and their friends. There are also interest groups that meet to do activities such walking, bridge, games, book discussions and dining. The most popular group is, visiting places of interest in our community followed by lunch.
Membership is open to women on the Saanich Peninsula, of any educational level. To learn more about our club, visit cfuwsannichpeninsula.org.
