CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Goslings Initiative challenged kids in Cornwall, SD&G, and Akwesasne to write a short essay about what brings them joy. The contest ran from mid-April to the end of May and Goslings has now selected three winners, Teann, Maxim, and Grayce.
In total, the contest had 30 submissions from children aged 10 to 12.
“The thing that stood out the most for me was how earnest all the children sounded when they wrote about Cornwall. I expected a lot of the entries to sound like they were entering for the sake of trying to get a prize, but they all seemed to be writing from a place of genuine love for Cornwall which was very nice to read through,” said Sarah Silman, who started the Cornwall Goslings Initiative with her partner Daniel.
The prize for the contest was a gift basket and a $50 gift card for Chapters bookstore.
“Starting this initiative, I wanted to give children in the area an outlet for writing but I could not be sure it was something that was desired in the community,” explained Silman. “The amount of participation has shown that this is something that the kids in Cornwall want. Since the wrap up I have been asked if there would be another opportunity and what else could be done for those who wanted to write, so the need is definitely there.”
Silman said that she hoped to continue the writing contests with the goal of having two a year.
“I absolutely feel like my goal was accomplished with this contest, this being the first time I needed to know if anyone wanted this. Now that it appears people want to participate, I feel the need to do even more,” she said.
For details about future contests follow the Cornwall Goslings Initiative on social media or visit their website.
