– by Gillian Crowley –
The room buzzes with women talking about everything from the latest book they’ve read to golf scores, a hiking trip and the next education awards. These are the lively members of the Saanich Peninsula’s Canadian Federation of University Women club at their monthly meetings. Started in 1994 as a spin-off group of 18 from CFUW Victoria, the Peninsula club now boasts 85 members and continues its tradition of women’s networking and financial support for women’s education.
Long-term member, Myrtle Siebert, joined CFUW after university graduation in 1960 and is now an active member of both the Peninsula and Victoria clubs. Siebert recalls looking for a group to help her “get away from diapers and babies for a while and enjoy adult conversation.” She became the first president of CFUW Saanich Peninsula in 1995 and later president of CFUW BC Council. “I’ve found it very satisfying over the years to connect with many fine, bright women,” she says.
The Saanich Peninsula chapter is open to all women who have an interest in the group’s aims, which promote lifelong education and advancement of the status of women and girls. Gail Argatoff, fund-raising chair, says the chapter attracts many “early retirees” seeking ways to meet other women and get involved in new activities.
The CFUW has a long, proud history. In 1919, leaders among Canadian university women brought their dream of a national federation to fruition. At this time women were already well established in the teaching profession and entering medicine, law, journalism, nursing and social work in larger numbers. The Victoria University Women’s Club (established 1908) was one of the first clubs to join the Federation, supporting its focus on women’s education.
CFUW Saanich Peninsula continues that focus today through funding assistance for female students from the Saanich Peninsula. Today their Education Trust Fund stands at more than $10,000. Annual awards of $1,000 each are given to female graduates at the three Saanich Peninsula secondary schools and similar amounts go to Camosun College, the Saanichton Independent Learning Centre and to First Nations female students at Camosun College. The Audrey Mawby bursary is granted each year to a student enrolled in History at the University of Victoria and one-time member bequests have also been made on occasion. Funds are raised through membership dues, book sales and other initiatives such as cookbook sales and antiques appraisals.
Fun activities and intellectual challenges are all part of the club’s attraction. Members are treated to interesting speakers at monthly meetings held every fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre. The March 25th speaker will be Sue Colgate, Executive Director of the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association, discussing “The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding.” Many members also join interest subgroups ranging from outdoor pursuits to bridge, genealogy, writing, book clubs and cultural outings.
CFUW Saanich Peninsula will celebrate their 20th anniversary in Spring 2015 by hosting the BC Council Conference at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. “Our door is always open to new members,” says Gail. “Come to a meeting and find out what we’re about.”
