Creative Writing Contest
Ve’ahavta is proud to host its annual Creative Writing Contest for People Living On or Near the Streets. The idea is to empower the homeless through their writing to recognize that they may have the skills to pursue writing as a career, and perhaps find their way off the street.
Suddenly, I watch as one guy buys two cigarettes for two quarters from a second guy. The second guy needs the quarters for a phone call to his mom later on tonight. This exchange makes them both happy. I hope the new staff member, Melanie, comes in soon. She always has a generous smile, a warm hug, and a kind word to give [if wanted]. She’s here! I feel as if I am warming up inside.
To be moved, impressed, and inspired: www.veahavta.org/index.php/category/creative-writing-contest/ The winning entries are now online.
When Ve’ahavta first decided to expand the reach of its 9th Annual Creative Writing Contest for People Living On or Near the Streets to the city of Vancouver, it was agreed that such an evolution was in line with the growth that Ve’ahavta has experienced over the past several years.
Having read through nine years’ worth of riveting and inspirational writing pieces in Toronto, we hoped to encounter the same enthusiastic response from those living on the streets of Vancouver, and our expectations were not only met, but far exceeded.
CWC 2010 was an outstanding success on both Canada’s East and West Coasts. We received an array of high caliber entries that, once again, left our judges having to make some difficult final decisions. This year’s winning entries displayed words of courage, wisdom, honesty, and insight into the human psyche and our society-at-large.
Held at the University of Toronto’s Hart House, the annual CWC Coffee House Event welcomed approximately 100 guests from in and around Toronto, and included a program that featured public readings from our winners, as well as an awards ceremony in their honour. Throughout the course of the afternoon, it was evident that the audience was captivated by these writing pieces, some of which incited tears and others laughter.
As CWC 2010 comes to a close, we look forward to seeing how these writers hone their talents and congratulate them on their contributions to the world of writing.
For more information contact Jacqueline Stein at Jackie@veahavta.org.
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The Creative Writing Contest is part of Ve’ahavta’s Homeless Initiative department. Every year, we distribute hundreds of packages into the street and through shelters, containing a sign-up form, a pad of paper, a pen, and a self-addressed envelope. We ask people to write a poem, a song, an autobiography, a recipe used to survive on the street… They have the option of writing a fiction or non-fiction piece. The possibilities are endless.
The submissions are then judged by a list of writers and media personalities. In 2010, the judges included humanitarian and actress Mia Farrow, Steve Paikin of TVO, Wendy Mesley of CBC, and producer and television host George Tsioutsioulas. The winners receive various prizes, including a creative writing course at The University of Toronto and The University of British Columbia, along with the top cash prize donated by Kernel’s Popcorn for $1,500. There are a dozen more cash gifts and gift certificates.
The contest winners are awarded with their prizes at our very special coffee house reading ceremony. Participants have the chance to meet with the judges, read their winning entry, and receive their prizes.
Read the winning entries from CWC 2010: www.veahavta.org/index.php/category/creative-writing-contest/
