The Ottawa Women's Canadian Club

I was invited by a good friend to join OWCC a few years ago.  […]  I am impressed that the club each year provides scholarships in three Eastern Ontario Universities enabling young women to further their studies with a little extra cash […] Young women from local high schools are invited to attend the monthly luncheons giving them a taste of what might be ahead for career choices […] I am inspired by what the speakers have accomplished or what they aspire to.  Each month I am educated and my horizons broaden just a little bit more […] about something I knew very little about.  […]  It is a place to meet up with good friends and make new acquaintances and of course shop at the Rideau Center afterwards. 

Upon my retirement, I was invited to join the OWCC by a group of ladies who had been members for many years. I have been attending the OWCC now for over twenty years. Our group has evolved over the years and it's always a joy to see each other each month. The speakers that are chosen are perfect for expanding my knowledge on a wide variety of topics – although my favourite is always the Christmas Luncheon. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the venue - the Château Laurier is elegant and we are served interesting meals including delicious desserts.

How could one not enjoy being a member of the OWCC! As a relatively new member, I love getting a bit dressed up for a change, trekking down to the beautiful, historic Château Laurier once a month with the west end gang via taxi, limo, or bus & settling in for a scrumptious lunch. Then we are treated to a wide variety of fabulous speakers. I am very supportive of the scholarships presented annually by the OWCC to deserving young women entering very diverse courses of study & careers. An added bonus is being able to meet interesting & talented women of all ages from across our region. I look forward to our lunches beginning again once the pandemic allows us to gather in large groups.

I joined the Club quite a few years ago; it was drawn to my attention by Marjory Tyler, my friend & neighbour in Manotick.  Marjory was an enthusiastic member, & at one point we had quite a large Manotick contingent because of her influence in including people, & inviting them to join.  Sadly, Marjory passed a way in  March, just a few weeks after her 100th birthday March 12.  She played bridge with us every week until then, although she wasn’t able to make it to the Canadian Club this past year.

I like long-standing traditions, and I was excited to join the OWCC that has such a rich history, dating back to 1912.  The University scholarships and bursaries that are granted, help to further the education of young women and future leaders. Having an occasion to dress up for delicious luncheons served so elegantly in a beautiful ballroom, added some glamour to the day.  I looked forward to listening to some very prominent and engaging speakers on current and important topics of the day, while enjoying a scrumptious three-course meal.   I met new people with such interesting lives and stories. It was so enjoyable to have their company at lunch, and to exchange views.