Celebrating Our History
75th Anniversary
CFUW Etobicoke will mark its 75th year in 2027.
75 years and counting!
In 2026–27, CFUW Etobicoke will celebrate 75 years of friendship, learning, advocacy, and service. Since our founding in March 1952, our Club has been part of the wider Canadian Federation of University Women, a national organization established in 1919 with a longstanding commitment to education, culture, charitable work, and the advancement of women and girls. Our story began in a rapidly growing postwar Etobicoke. At the time, the nearest club was the University Women’s Club of Toronto on St. George Street—a difficult trip, especially before the subway system existed. In response, a group of women came together to form a club closer to home. Twenty-five attended the organizing meeting in March 1952; by June, membership had grown to 66. (Taken from Canadian Federation of University Women Etobicoke Celebrating 50 Years) Seventy-five years later, that same spirit of community and purpose continues to define CFUW Etobicoke. Throughout this anniversary year, we invite everyone to take part in activities that reflect the CFUW mission of improving the status of women and girls.
Click on the links below to share stories about some of the things our Club has done over the decades. We hope you’ll find these interesting and thought-provoking. You’ll see how some of our activities began and how they have evolved. You’ll read about some of the “big” things that past members undertook, and these might spark an idea for action today. Our Club has a rich history, which we are PROUD to celebrate!
- January – 70 Years in the Making
- February – Advocacy in Practice: Members Protest use of Provocation as a Defence in Murder Trial
- March – Our Club Statue
- April – CFUW Etobicoke on Television
- May – Helping in the Community: Conversation Circles at Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services
- June – CFUW Etobicoke Takes an Active Role in the 1960s-90s
Our statue, “Discourse” goes to the President to retain during presidency and to pass on to the next President.
In 1978 there was a national crisis: the first referendum on Quebec sovereignty was to be held. Dialogue with Quebec was encouraged. CFUW Etobicoke brought 8 women from Quebec City for the events sponsored by the Canadian Unity Group, culminating in dinner at the Old Mill.
The door prize, won by a member from our club, was this statue, created by world renowned artist, Mary Hecht. The concept of the statue was to present dialogue – person to person – as the best way to combat prejudice. It was decided by the members of our Club, present at that dinner, that it should be given to the Club and passed along by each president.
Mary Hecht was born in New York, NY, June 23, 1931 and moved to Canada in 1970. Her education and training in drawing, painting, and sculpture resulted in a B.A. in fine arts (University of Cincinnati, 1952) and an M.A. in sculpture (Iowa State University, 1957). She worked as a magazine illustrator and taught at McLaughlin College, York University. Her cast metal sculptures were regularly exhibited in the United States and Canada. She was also very active in the Jewish community and interfaith conferences about religion and art. She won several awards including the Individual Artist’ Grant, Ontario (1975); Arts Council (1979); Excalibur Bronze Award, National Arts Club, New York NY (1983). Mary died in April 2013 at age 81.