CFUW Orillia hands out $41K in scholarships to local students.

A total of $41,000 in scholarships was awarded to 26 Orillia women pursuing post-secondary education this year.

The scholarship program is managed by the CFUW Orillia Education Foundation, a charitable branch of CFUW Orillia. The organization awards scholarships yearly, with a call for applications going out in January 2026 for next year’s graduates.

Eligible applicants include graduates of Orillia Secondary School, Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School, Twin Lakes Secondary School, Simcoe Shores Secondary School Orillia campus, ESC Nouvelle-Alliance, Ecole sécondaire Romeo-Dallaire, and the Orillia Learning Centre who reside in the Orillia area. Mature students planning to enter a college or university in the fall are also eligible.

A special celebration send-off was held on Aug. 13 to acknowledge the scholarship recipients’ accomplishments, hard work and dedication, with many expressing heartfelt thanks to CFUW Orillia Education Foundation for the financial support that will enable them to continue their education.

“I was so impressed to see these young women who have such an inspiring future ahead,” said CFUW Orillia Education Foundation president Marci Csumrik. “It’s important to recognize and support young women in our community who are furthering their education.”

A special scholarship of $2,500 in honour of the late Nan Farwell, a longtime member of CFUW, was created this year for those pursuing education or physical education in post-secondary studies. Nan’s husband, Dave, and daughters, Kim and Jane, were all present at the send-off event, and were able to see recipient Charlie Wiseman receive this award.

CFUW Orillia raises scholarship funds in a variety of ways, primarily through its annual Homes Tour, held every year on the first Sunday in June. The 2026 Homes Tour will be held Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Details on how to apply to the scholarship program, or donate to the scholarship fund, are available at cfuworilliaeducationfoundation.ca. The foundation accepts donations year-round and can issue tax receipts for donations of $25 or over.

CFUW Orillia offers amazing social connections, lifelong learning opportunities, a commitment to advocacy, new friendships, and is dedicated to promoting education.

CFUW has a membership of more than 120 women and is a dynamic organization that welcomes all women who share our core beliefs of education, advocacy, social justice, and equality. For more information, check out our website, cfuworillia.org.