CFUW Markham-Unionville is a women’s club of over 150+ members.
The club is part of a national organization that believes in the power of women working together with a focus on, advocating for women and human rights, helping individuals in need obtain a higher education, supporting local charities and enjoying social activities that provide for personal growth and well-being.
The club has a charitable arm. It is an equitable and inclusive club growing in diversity. New members are always welcome.
As a charitable organization, it contributes to improving lives by helping individuals gain access to funding for higher education through its Education Fund Program. Education has the power to transform lives and enable individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential.
The club provides thousands of dollars each year in bursaries to eligible candidates pursuing education. Contributions are made by its generous members as well as a significant donation from The Hayden Foundation. In 2021-2022 the club provided $61,200 in bursaries.
“Awarding our educational bursaries is such a gratifying part of CFUW’s annual work, as access to education is key to a happier and more secure life,” said Kathy McCarty, Treasurer, CFUW Markham- Unionville Education Fund.
Fundraiser events help support local charities, in particular Yellow Brick House, an organization that provides shelter and care for women and children of domestic abuse and helps them rebuild their lives. Fundraiser events include: Fashion Shows, Tickets to community theatre events, Special guest speakers including Lloyd Robertson and Ann Dagg, Cookbook sales, Special raffles, and Used book sales.
The 2022-23 Fundraiser is a Fashion Show in support of Yellow Brick House.
“Yellow Brick House provides shelter and care for women and children of domestic abuse and helps them rebuild their lives. This is such a vital program within our community particularly now as the incidence of domestic violence has increased through COVID,” said Marg Esaw, President CFUW Markham Unionville
The club also provides opportunities for friendship, personal growth, and fulfillment by offering access to a variety of interest groups including walking, hiking, bridge, French conversation, dining, gourmet cooking, movies, knitting, euchre, books, golfing, yoga, cycling and more.
“Through CFUW, I have met, played, laughed, and worked with women who have come from all different backgrounds and careers,” said Sandra Mallory, Chair Issues and Advocacy Committee, CFUW Markham Unionville. “What I find most fulfilling though, is the advocacy work we address on current issues, with significant impacts on women and girls including climate change, sex trafficking education, violence against women, and single-use plastics. I am proud to be a member of CFUW and continue its more than 100 years of tradition of working to improve the status of women and to promote human rights, public education, social justice, and peace.”
The club’s monthly general meetings include knowledgeable speakers that provide interesting and relevant information to the group and allow for more social interaction among our members. If you would like to see what the club is all about you are invited to attend an upcoming general meeting.
Upcoming speakers include: Oct. 19 – Elizabeth Zeleman – Healthy Eating Based on Canada’s Most Recent Food Guide and Nov. 16 – Caroline Taylor – Climate Change.
Visit cfuwmarkham.org for more information.
Photo: CFUW fundraiser events include fashion shows, tickets to community theatre events, and Cookbook sales.
