Our Philanthropy
Scholarships
College Level
In 2003 CFUW Vernon established an endowment fund with Okanagan College Foundation, with an initial capital contribution of $20,742 to provide annual awards for female students who are permanent residents of the North Okanagan attending Okanagan College. This original Deed of Gift was superceded by a second one made in 2017, which specifies in part that preference will be given to mature female students and single female parents. Over the years, the club has added to the original contribution, such that by 2023 the fund became self-sustaining. Through the Okanagan College Foundation, the club generally offers two $1500 scholarships annually. Because the scholarships are administered by the College, the amounts may vary, depending, of course, on contributions and interest rates. Also, as a result of anti-discrimination policies, the recipients may not always be women. As circumstances and finances permit, other scholarship opportunities may arise. For example, for CFUW’s 100th anniversary in 2019, additional awards in the form of two $1,000 bursaries were given to women in the Trades program at Okanagan College, Vernon Campus.
In aid of this scholarship program, in 2019, we published a book, Our Stories, Vignettes from Our Lives. The book contains a collection of poetry, prose and short stories by 29 of our members and is a tribute to all of our members, who have, since 1965, made remarkable contributions to our community. Click here to sample some of the content. There are a few copies left at a purchase price of $18.00 per copy, plus shipping. The shipping charge in Canada via Canada Post regular mail for a single book is about $5.50.
Please visit the Okanagan College awards page for more information:
Awards application information: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/financial-aid-and-awards#awards
The 2024 recipients of CFUW Vernon’s Okanagan College Foundation fund are Hannah DeKlerk (left) and Michela Calen (right). Both of these young women are in their second year at the College and both are well anchored with long term plans for their educational and personal growth. Ten years down the road Hannah plans to be a paediatric anesthesiologist. Michela on the path of becoming a teacher.
After about 7 years Michela will achieve her Bachelor of Education degree and would prefer to start teaching as an elementary school teacher; she loves working with younger children. Michela has a passion for traveling and art, so hopes that once she become a teacher she can progress to teaching other areas of her passions, such as by teaching in another country, teaching a second language, being an art teacher, or even being a special educator to children/youth with particular needs. She want her teaching occupation to evolve continually with new experiences and opportunities.
Some recipients from previous years
High School Level
The club has instituted bursaries for high school students within School District #22, which serves the communities of Vernon, Coldstream, Lavington, Lumby, and Cherryville. Our Scholarship Committee reviews the applications and determines the successful candidates, liaising with staff at SD22 as required. Currently two $750 scholarships will be offered next year.
More information on SD22’s scholarship and bursary program may be found at https://sd22.bc.ca/parents-students/scholarships/
Other
The Archway society provides a range of services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Services provided include; safe shelter, counseling, child and youth advocacy, outreach services, and collaborative community projects.
During the Christmas holiday season, the club annually collects donations in cash and kind to support at least one family of mother and children that has transitioned from their temporary home at the Archway Society into their own place. The Society provides our liaison member with the family’s “wish list” which provides generic information about the family members so that appropriate and useful gifts may be donated or purchased but the anonymity of the family remains ensured. The donated “hamper” of goodies is then delivered to the Society which in turn ensures the family receives the donated items.
For more information about the Archway Society for Domestic Peace, see https://archwaysociety.ca/
