PHILANTHROPY

PAST ACTIVITIES

We did it! The Romero House fundraiser was a huge success.

On the evening of October 11th the Faculty Club Wedgewood dining room filled to capacity as guests arrived to be greeted by a glass of Prosecco and wandered around the room meeting the founder of Romero House, Mary Jo Leddy and our esteemed key note speaker, Marie Henein. The silent auction table was crowded with excited bidders choosing which of the items they hoped to win and the room was a buzz with excitement and anticipation.

Our first speaker, Paula Gomez spoke of her experience as a refugee coming to Toronto and being helped by Romero House. For her, this was a lifesaver and she has gone on to give back to the refugee community over the many years she has lived in Canada.

Marie Henein followed with an account from her book on what it was like for her and her family to arrive from the Middle East in this new unfamiliar country. In the Q and A she spoke brilliantly about the state of our legal system and influences that are changing the system around the world.

The silent auction was then opened up once more and a flourish of final bids were made with the bidding closing at 8:45.

The executive director of Romero House, Francesca Allodi-Ross, caped off the evening with an inspiring talk about the incredible work done by her team at Romero House.

This event was a huge success as the room was filled to capacity and the silent auction prizes hit their mark and, in some cases, exceeded expectations.

Thank you to our sponsors CIBC The Krupica Financial Group, Park City Scooters and Landings Refugee and immigration Law. Also a huge thank you to the Fundraising Committee. It could not have been done without all of their focus and hard work.

Click here for a gallery of the paintings

bob rae: our speaker in 2019

We held an event at Innis College in September 2019 to hear Bob Rae’s thoughts on the upcoming election and on the world in general.  Mr. Rae serves as the Canadian ambassador to the United Nations.  It was a lively, interesting and informative evening.  We asked participants to donate as they wished for admission and the money was given to the UWC (Toronto) Foundation for scholarships.

the book sale

In June of 2019 we held a book sale at the Faculty Club to get together with members and their friends to stock up for summer reading.  Everyone enjoyed a glass of wine and picked up bags of treasures.  Ellen Thompson sold her beautiful necklaces to the crowds.  The profits from this wonderful event went to the UWC (Toronto) Foundation for scholarships.

Sistering

We have helped Sistering, a shelter for homeless women, over the years.  In 2017 we provided a grant of $10,000 to set up a sewing studio.  The women could learn a skill and benefit from the community of learning together.  We also gave $5000 to upgrade the sleeping quarters and during Covid helped with $2500 for cots and bedding.

Romero House

The club has worked with Romero House, a centre for refugees, over the last eight years, holding very successful fundraisers in 2017, 2018 and 2019.  The funds were used to provide educational opportunities for girls and women.

Romero House is an amazing, kind, welcoming, resourceful, generous and skillful organization which helps refugees from any country, of any faith and from any circumstances.  The director, staff, interns and volunteers dedicate themselves to helping all who are there, who have been there and who will come through their door.  They help with refugee status, permits, academic equivalencies, court hearings, job searches.  They house as many as they can in the four properties at the Centre and search for homes for all on a temporary or more permanent basis. Everyone is welcome and treated with respect, humanity and compassion.

We have held three fundraisers for Romero House:  2017, 2018 and 2019.  The money from each fundraiser has been used wisely and thoughtfully and has benefitted young and older women to become a part of the Canadian community.

Each spring and fall we have done a collection of seasonal clothing for men, women and children and also a collection of basic household items (cutlery, china, kitchen utensils, sheets and towels) for those who are setting up their first home in Canada.

Our fundraising from our three fundraising events for Romero has totalled $37,000.  We have also helped with grants from our Discretionary Fund for specific problems and were happy to award gift cards for Mother’s Day.

Indspire

We have also helped Indspire, an organization focussed on indigenous education.  In 2017 we gave $5000.

humewood house

Another organization that has benefitted from our work is Humewood House, later part of the Massey Centre.  We were able to donate $2000 from the sale of poinsettias in 2020 and $2500 in 2021 to help with expenses for the young mothers and children.  We also gave lovely gift bags at Valentines in 2021 and gift cards for Mother’s Day.

Children’s Aid Foundation:

Although our help here comes from our Foundation to their Foundation, we give two $5000 scholarships to young women who have aged out of foster care and are pursuing a university education.

In examining the finances of each of these organizations, we conclude that Romero House is  most in need of our help.  Romero is the least endowed by grants and has less ability to access funds.  To quote Marianne A.:  they operate on a shoestring and do amazing things.

LETTERS OF THANKS

from sistering

Dear Susan and members of the University Women’s Club of Toronto,

You are helping to change the lives of many women who find creative outlet and therapeutic healing in our textile studio. Your generous gift in December 2017 of $10,000 will help us launch the sewing component of our education and training program at Spun Studio. AND, our sisters will enjoy additional warmth and comfort in the Drop In overnight with your wonderful gift of $5,000.

Thank you for your belief and commitment to supporting some of Toronto’s most vulnerable women – I am grateful for your interest and generosity.

At Sistering, we are driven by one simple truth: all women, regardless of circumstance, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It takes the kindness and generosity of many partners to make a difference in the lives of the women in our community.

I look forward to our new partnership and we welcome your donations of fabric and wool – they will be inspirational for our creative souls in Spun Studio.

With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday,

Patricia O’Connell Executive Director

from romero house

Dear University of Toronto Women’s Club,
Thanks a lot for your contribution in my life, and when I say my life someone would think I’m exaggerating but I am truly not. Having this laptop not only helps me but it really makes things easier for me.
So a little introduction about me. My name is Sabreena. I’m 19 years old from a beautiful country named Etritrea. I love music, reading and watching movies. Soon enough I’m planning to go back to school for my undergrad and I can’t stress enough how big a part you guys and Romero House have played in helping me do so.
This thank you note has gone on long enough so thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you. You guys are Awesome!!!
Yours truly,
– Sabreena

Respected Ladies,
With this letter I want to say thank you so much. Through Romero House I received the money that you kindly donated to support the education and empowerment of Romero House women. With this money I bought a beautiful laptop. My family also thanks you for your support. It is a generous gesture that demonstrates the fraternity that the Toronto University Women’s Club feels for other women.
I really appreciate your donation and I am sure that the laptop will help all our family in our education. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
– Alexandra Robayo

from Indspire

Our children are the future, and carry with them a great potential to lead this country. As Canada’s fastest growing demographic group, Indspire youth hold particular promise but they need your support! Thanks to the generosity of donors like UWC, we are building brighter futures for more indigenous youth every year. Thank you!
Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO Indspire,

Across Canada, everyone has a remarkable opportunity to do something truly incredible – to help close the gap in Indigenous achievement through education. We are thrilled by your investment in the ‘Building Brighter Futures’ program to support indigenous youth pursuing their post-secondary education. The University Women’s Club of Toronto’s investment in Indigenous youth across Canada will encourage and empower them, converting their ambitions and aspirations into solid achievement and brighter futures. Your commitment is sending a clear message that every child should be given that chance to succeed and for that we thank you.

Paul Klein, CFRE, Director, Individual Giving, Indspire.