Events and Speaker Series

Continuing education is reflected in our values and stated in the objectives of the Club.

– We regularly host educational Speakers Series and short business sessions at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

– Throughout the year our Club has fun, socializing activities including a Summer Picnic and Christmas Party.

– Check the website regularly for upcoming events.

Speaker Series

The public, friends and guests are welcome to attend the CFUW Saanich Peninsula Speaker Series at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney on the 4th Tuesday of the month, September through April.

Cost – Members and their guests Free; $10.00 Non-members

2025/26 Member Events

May 23, 2026 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm	Annual Book Sale Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beaon Avenue Sidney
May 27, 2025 11:30 am Cost: $45 per member Invite a Friend	Annual General Meeting and Lunch Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue Sidney *Launch of the 30-Year Anniversary Celebration*
August 24, 2025 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Cost: $25 per member Invite a Friend	Annual Summer Picnic Centennial Park 7526 Wallace Drive Saanichton Picnic Area 2 Click here to register for this event!
September 8, 2025 11:30 am Cost: $20 per ticket Invite a Friend	Screening “Young Woman and the Sea” Star Cinema 9840 Third Street Sidney Click here to purchase tckets for this event!
December 2, 2025 11:30 am Cost: TBD Invite a Friend	Christmas Lunch Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue Sidney

September 23, 2025 2:00 pm	Speaker: Dr. Michael Rott, Doctor of Philosophy, Senior Researcher at Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Centre for Plant Health (Click to read bio) Topic: Centre for Plant Health and its Role As Canada’s only post-entry quarantine, research and diagnostic facility for virus testing of grapevines, fruit-bearing trees, and small fruit, the Centre plays a vital role in protecting plant health. Its cutting-edge work in virus testing and virus elimination supports the productivity and sustainability of Canada’s vineyards, orchards, and berry farms. This work supports farmers and strengthens sectors that contribute billions to the national economy.
October 28, 2025 2:00 pm	Speakers: Tricia Gueulette, Chief Executive Officer Beacon Community Services (Click to read bio) Topic: Caring in Action: Meeting Needs, Changing Lives Beacon Community Services has been deeply woven into southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands fabric since 1974. As a community-based nonprofit, Beacon provides life-changing services to people across all stages of life: from children and families to adults and seniors. Through housing, mental health support, licensed childcare, employment services, youth outreach, and senior wellness programs, Beacon responds to some of our region’s most urgent needs. With over 200 housing units and a network of support that reaches thousands each year, we not only offer shelter and safety, but dignity, connection, and hope. From a young parent receiving wraparound support, to a senior enjoying daily meals and companionship at SHOAL Centre, Beacon’s impact is felt in everyday moments that build resilience and belonging. This presentation will share how our work uplifts individuals, strengthens communities, and continues to evolve in response to the growing challenges facing people in our region.
November 25, 2025 2:00 pm	Speakers: Anna Kobb, UVic Engineering and Computer Science (Click to read bio), joined by Emily Murray, President of UVic’s Women in Engineering and Computer Science (WECS) Student Group. Topic: Community Builds the (Woman) Engineer In her talk Anna will describe the importance of community in her own journey through Engineering, as well as how the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at UVic is working to support students of equity deserving build the community they need to be successful.
January 27, 2026 2:00 pm	Speakers: Bonnie Yarish and Laurie Wilson, Grandmothers for Africa Topic: Visiting the Grandmothers in Africa. Both of these ladies are part of a group that is visiting Africa this year. They will speak about the AIDS situation at present and how the Canadian group is helping.
February 24, 2026 2:00 pm	Speaker: RCMP Constable Matt Slowy Community Policing Sidney/North Saanich Detachment Topic: Safety and Situational Awareness Tips on how to keep yourself safe when out and about in our community and afar.
March 24, 2026 2:00 pm	Speaker: Jason McBride, Head of College, Pearson College (Click to read bio) Topic: The UWC movement – Now more important than ever. Pearson College hosts around 200 students from over 150 countries every year with a goal of bringing together youth from different backgrounds to create future leaders who can foster cultural understanding, personal responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
April 28, 2026 2:00 pm	Speaker: Dr. Gina Harrison, Professor of Educational Psychology & Leadership Studies, University of Victoria (Click to read bio) Topic: The Benefits of Reading Reading creates such synergy, from building neural networks in our brains that weren’t there before to establishing links between language and in turn culture. Reading is indeed the spark we all need to learn, live, and flourish. This is a special speaker, part of the 30th Year Anniversary Celebration of Reading.