Club History
From the very beginning, CFUW Scarborough has been a place where thoughtful discussion meets meaningful action. In our early years a number of study groups were formed by members eager to explore pressing social, educational and environmental issues.
One of the most notable initiatives began in 1970, when the Education study group worked alongside the Scarborough Board of Education to examine the influential Hall-Dennis Report — a visionary document focused on reshaping the goals of education in Ontario. Over two years, the group’s research and analysis led to the submission of detailed briefs to both the Board and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the depth of their engagement and commitment.
Other early study groups tackled a wide range of forward-thinking topics: the exhaustion of natural resources, waste management and recycling (long before it was commonplace), women in science, violence in the media, equal pay for equal work, nursery schooling in Scarborough, and voting reform. These efforts reflected the curiosity, leadership, and advocacy that continue to define our club today.
You can learn more about the topics we've recently explored and supported in our Advocacy section.
A Legacy of Learning, Advocacy and Action
Staying True to
Our Founding Values
The guiding principles set by CFUW Scarborough’s founding members remain at the heart of everything we do. In 1976, our club was featured in the University of Toronto Magazine for a groundbreaking partnership with the University of Toronto Scarborough. Together, we launched a scholarship program for students with a passion for women’s issues. The article noted that three awards were created, with the first to be presented that fall — an important milestone in our ongoing mission to promote education, equity and opportunity.
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Kathie Krashinsky, then CFUW Scarborough’s awards convenor, told the magazine: “This gift celebrates the importance of grassroots community partnerships, which are at the heart of our chapter’s mission.”
Today the Scarborough club continues to raise awareness of issues important to all Canadians, especially women and children, and to raise money not only for awards for presentation to women enrolled in programs at the University of Toronto Scarborough as well as Centennial College.
The Quilting Project
Back in 1976 CFUW Scarborough’s craft group considered making a quilt to be raffled, with most of the proceeds going to the Scholarship Fund. A quilting group was formed, and decided on a pieced quilt in autumn colours. After discovering that a permit was required they obtained a licence the following year, and set a ticket price of just $1 each and three tickets for $2. The first $500 raised would be donated to the Scholarship Fund, and any extra would go to the General Operating Fund of the club.
Members pitched in by selling raffle tickets to family and friends, and the draw was held at the club’s April 1977 meeting. President Muriel Cluett drew the winning ticket and presented the quilt to Treasurer Mollie Elliot. The club had sold 1,046 tickets and raised $749 (the equivalent of about $3,530 in 2023); after expenses were paid, a donation of $600 was made to the Scholarship Fund and $85.33 went to the club.
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The craft group so enjoyed the experience of working on the project that the members decided to spend another year at the craft, learning the finer points of quilting and investigating new patterns, designs and techniques.
UTSC Scholarships Launched
CFUW Scarborough also made the news in 1976 when an article in University of Toronto Magazine noted that “University of Toronto Scarborough has teamed up with a local branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) to offer scholarships to students interested in women’s issues. The first of the three awards will be given out this fall.”
Kathie Krashinsky, then CFUW Scarborough’s awards convenor, told the magazine: “This gift celebrates the importance of grassroots community partnerships, which are at the heart of our chapter’s mission.”