Outreach
Supporting women. Strengthening communities.
Supporting local organizations through fundraising, donations, and volunteer efforts, members help advance education, safety, opportunity, and well-being throughout our community.
Investing in Our Community
International Women’s Day
Connecting & Empowering Our Community
Since 2012, CFUW Aurora/Newmarket has proudly marked International Women’s Day (IWD) as a cornerstone of our commitment to advocacy, education, and community outreach.
What began over a decade ago as a spirited flash mob along Main Street in Newmarket has grown into a cherished annual tradition that blends learning with solidarity.
Every March, we bring together members, local community partners, inspirational guest speakers, and neighbours to shine a light on critical issues affecting women locally and globally.
Over the years, our themes have spanned Indigenous rights, newcomer integration, global peace, gender-based violence, and women's leadership.
By opening our doors and inviting women from Aurora, Newmarket, and across York Region to join our presentations, we create an accessible space for meaningful connection.
Our International Women’s Day celebration is truly one of our most important outreach initiatives.
As guests celebrate IWD alongside us, they experience the warmth, passion, and purpose of CFUW Aurora/Newmarket.
A Look Back at IWD 2012
Take a look back at CFUW Aurora/Newmarket’s International Women’s Day involvement and hear members speak about the club and what it represents.
International Women’s Day – Join us on March 8, 2027
Event Details Coming Soon
Monday, March 8, 2027
10:00 a.m.
About Angela Freedman of Fill a Purse For a Sister
Angel Freedman is the President and Founder of the Fill a Purse For a Sister Campaign. As an advocate for gender equality and women's rights, she works to support victims of domestic violence and raise awareness across local communities. Her annual initiative provides purses and backpacks filled with personal care items to women, youth, and men in crisis, distributing them directly to women's shelters, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centres, and regional social services.
In this presentation, Freedman will highlight the remarkable success of the 2025 campaign—which collected over 3,500 purses across Toronto, York Region, and Durham—and share details on how the 2026 campaign expanded to lease dedicated space to accommodate the rapidly growing volume of contributions. Attendees will learn about the direct impact of these vital supplies and explore practical ways to support the initiative moving forward, including becoming community leads, hosting local drop-off locations, or providing financial contributions.
For more information about IWD
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket’s Annual IWD Walk to Water Street Bridge
WHEN – March 8, 2027
START – We will meet at the entrance of Fairy Lake on Water Street in Newmarket
FINISH – Following the short walk, we will meet at the Water Street Bridge and sing “Oh, Canada”.
We invite other York Region women’s groups to join us in celebration. This year’s IWD celebration no doubt will reinforce the mission of CFUW and the power of women working together for change. Our traditional walk to the bridge at Fairy Lake demonstrates our solidarity with women around the world.
International Women's Day Highlights
Use the arrows to explore the gallery →
Inn From the Cold
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket has proudly supported Inn From the Cold for many years through a variety of hands on and fundraising initiatives.
✅ Members prepare and serve community dinners.
✅ Our Festive Lunch features a Winter Warmth Table filled with donated mittens, hats, scarves, and socks.
✅ Members also prepare and distribute gift bags to community members each February.
✅ Members provide direct financial support through year-round club initiatives, including monthly meeting book sales and Share the Wealth draws.
✅ Our members participate in the Coldest Night of the Year walk, raising awareness and vital funds for Inn from the Cold—generating over $7,100 through the event over the past two years.
For more information about Outreach
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) has been a winter tradition in York Region since 2013, supporting people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
In Newmarket, the family-friendly walk raises funds for Inn from the Cold who provides critical services to community members experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
For two consecutive years, CFUW Aurora/Newmarket has joined this local fundraising effort, walking around Fairy Lake to ensure others do not have to face winter alone.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers is a registered Canadian charity and not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering young mothers to recognize their strengths and create brighter futures for themselves and their children. Thanks to the generosity of donors and funding partners, all programs and services are provided free of charge.
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket Outreach has established a fund of approximately $2,000 per year to help cover occasional costs for students entering a post-secondary program, including:
💻 a computer or tablet for their program
⛑️ special certification such as First Aid and CPR
🥾 equipment such as regulation safety boots, and helmet.
💲 pre-course exam costs
Supporting Local Needs
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket Outreach provides funding to local non-profit organizations that improve the well-being of women and children in our community.
To maximize impact, funding is directed to a select number of high-priority projects each year. Both ongoing initiatives and one-time requests are considered based on community need and available funds.
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket supports local food assistance programs by donating non-perishable food and essential household items to help individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Community Projects
Toiletries Project
Each November, club members are invited to contribute personal care items. Donations are coordinated by Pat Innes and distributed to local organizations that provide essential support to vulnerable members of our community.
For more than 17 years, CFUW Aurora/Newmarket members have collected and donated personal care items to support vulnerable individuals in our local community, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
For more information
Moon Time Connections
Moon Time Connections is a Canadian organization working to end period poverty through education, advocacy, and improved access to menstrual products. Their work helps ensure that everyone can manage menstruation with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
How CFUW Members Support Moon Time Connections
🔴 Collect menstrual products through our Periods Are NOT Luxuries—PERIOD donation drives to support Indigenous organizations.
🔴 Volunteer alongside Moon Time Connections to sort and pack menstrual products for shipment to communities in Northern Ontario.
🔴 Participate in facilitator training to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation.
🔴 Assemble Period Starter Kits to help youth access essential menstrual products and information.
🔴 Advocate for menstrual equity so that everyone has access to the products they need.
Knitters for Southlake
Members and their friends are encouraged to knit baby hats and blankets for the newborn nursery at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Knitting patterns are available, and completed items are collected and delivered to the hospital.
Donations of wool are also gratefully appreciated.
For information, patterns & details
Explore Our Community Impact
Discover how CFUW Aurora/Newmarket is making a difference through outreach, advocacy, and educational awards.
Outreach
Supporting our community
