Ottawa Woman Raises Funds for Education Through Thrifting

When Teresa McCrory relocated to Ottawa from Montreal last year, she sought ways to engage with her new community. She transformed her passion for thrifting into a fundraising initiative that supports women’s education through the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW).

McCrory, a recent member of CFUW Nepean, began selling her thrifted finds and personal items on Facebook Marketplace, donating all proceeds to the CFUW Scholarship Trust. In just a month, her efforts have generated approximately $1,250 for the trust. “I thought it was an excellent initiative that I wanted to support,” McCrory explained. “I found that I was accumulating a whole bunch of stuff, so I thought, I can sell it on Marketplace and donate to the scholarship trust.”

Her enthusiasm for thrifting has spanned years, allowing her to curate a vast collection of unique items. Embracing her role as a charitable seller, McCrory affectionately calls herself “The Trusty Thrifter,” reflecting her dedication to ensuring that each dollar raised benefits the CFUW trust.

Supporting Women’s Education

The CFUW Nepean is a non-profit organization comprised of over 50 members, predominantly retired professionals, who focus on promoting and assisting women’s education. “It’s a women’s group that exists to support other women,” McCrory noted. The CFUW Scholarship Trust, established as a charitable organization with Revenue Canada in 1996, is overseen by a five-member board that manages donations and fundraising initiatives.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the trust increased its scholarships and bursaries from $1,000 to $1,500 each, totaling $9,000 to be distributed to Algonquin College. The organization has historically raised funds through various activities, including used book sales and raffles. According to Kathy Greiner, the chair of the scholarship trust, new awards have been introduced for women in science and technology, as well as for Indigenous students pursuing higher education.

Despite an increase in women entering STEM fields, they remain significantly underrepresented. Statistics Canada reports that women constitute less than 40 percent of STEM students and under 30 percent of professionals in these roles. The CFUW aims to encourage women to pursue education in these areas through dedicated scholarships.

Greiner expressed gratitude for McCrory’s initiative, acknowledging that her contributions will greatly aid the scholarship fund. “Teresa’s initiative to donate her proceeds from her marketplace sales will certainly help the scholarship and is much appreciated,” she stated.

Personal Motivation and Future Initiatives

McCrory’s commitment to supporting education is rooted in her personal experiences. After graduating high school, she received a bursary that helped her afford textbooks and continue her studies. “I think for everyone, not just women, things are very expensive right now,” she commented. “With the cost of living, it’s difficult for everyone to afford to go back to school.”

She believes that any support provided to women in enhancing their education contributes to their overall quality of life. “Any support we can give women to improve their education or even be happier with what they are doing improves their quality of life,” McCrory stated.

From January to May 2024, McCrory will also raffle a quilt that she designed and created, featuring a log cabin style made from Canadiana-themed fabrics. This additional fundraiser reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting women’s education, further demonstrating how personal passions can create significant community impact.

McCrory’s initiative underscores a growing movement in which individuals leverage their skills and hobbies for charitable purposes, fostering a spirit of community support and empowerment.