With the intent to support women and girls in their betterment especially through education, the Prince George chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) celebrates its 50th anniversary Thursday at the Prince George Chateau.
In the last three years the local chapter has doubled its membership to its current 52 members.
Times have changed in the last year or so and now all women who support the objectives and purpose of the group are welcome to join the organization. It's not just for women who have a degree anymore.
"I don't think we were very well known so we've been trying to put the word out," said Fotos, vice president/past president, who has been a member for eight years. "I think people enjoy what we're doing, trying to support women and children. We have two scholarships at UNBC and three bursaries at CNC." The two at the University of Northern B.C. are for $1,000 each and the three bursaries at the College of New Caledonia are for $500 each.
Founded in 1919 as a national organization of women university graduates, there are 130 clubs across Canada.
The local chapter meets once a month and within the group there are interest groups like the bridge club and the book club, said Fotos.
The local chapter fundraises to support the breakfast/lunch program in three inner-city schools - Ron Brent, Quinson and Harwin elementary schools.
The group sells Fair Trade coffee and takes it one step further in an effort to support women as it is produced by women in Central and South America. The brand of coffee is called Cafe Femenino.
"It's really good coffee," said Fotos. "They ship the product to Salmon Arm where it's roasted and then we buy it from there and sell it for a $4 profit." All proceeds go to the meal programs.
The Prince George chapter of the CFUW is a founding member of the Prince George Community Arts Council and started the October Fair, now known as Studio Fair, the annual fall artisan fair.
The group has published three editions of the Street Names books, explaining local history behind street names. The first was published in 1970, the second in 1989 and for their efforts in 2006 they received the Jeanne Clarke Memorial Local History Award.
During the monthly meeting there is a presentation of topics such as the future of newspapers when publisher of the Prince George Citizen, Colleen Sparrow, spoke in October. A cautionary lecture on identity theft, presented by the RCMP in January, cancer prevention, as well as an information session about El Sistema presented by the Prince George Symphony Orchestra about offering a music program to at-risk youth.
"I think members become more aware of women's issues," said Fotos about those interested in joining. "I think a lot of us carry on blissfully and don't really pay attention and I think it helps with that." The Federation of University Women is also at a national and international level. With conferences held provincially, nationally and internationally.
There is an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the common room at Magnolia Gardens condominium complex, 2055 Ingledew St. from 7 to 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
