Ve’ahavta is proud to host an annual Creative Writing Contest for people living on or near the street. 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.
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 fictional or non-fiction piece. The possibilities are endless.
The submissions are then judged by a list of writers and media personalities. In 2008, the judges included John Stackhouse from the Globe and Mail, Steve Paikin from TVO, Ralph Benmergui from Jazz FM and well known author Michael Ondaatje. The winners receive various prizes, including a creative writing course to Ryerson University, along with the top cash prize donated by Kernel’s Popcorn for $1000. There are a dozen more cash gifts as well as gift certificates from Loblaws, Tonyc Salon and Spa, and Tim Hortons.
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. Also, everyone who participated in the project receives a gift basket for their contribution in the contest.
Ve’ahavta produces an annual zine containing the winning entries. To be moved, impressed, and inspired, download the 2008 Creative Writing Contest zine here.