Veahavta: the Canadian Jewish Humanitarian and Relief Committee is a

charitable social service organization founded in 1996 that is dedicated to promoting

positive change in the lives of people of all faiths who are marginalized by poverty locally
and nationally. Veahavta clients include homeless individuals, Aboriginal communities, as
well as others facing social inequities and lack of health-promotion resources. On the
global stage, Veahavta is committed to international aid and crisis response.
Veahavta derives its name and mission from the Torahs commandment, veahavta
lrayacha kamocha love your neighbor as you would love yourself. It is our obligation
and privilege to reach out with compassion to those who are most vulnerable regardless of
race, religion, or nationality. Veahavtas innovative programs aim to break barriers, restore
human dignity, foster inclusivity, and empower marginalized individuals to break the cycle
of poverty and fulfill their unique human potential.
VEAHAVTA : WHO WE ARE
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THE TRAGEDY OF HOMELESSNESS IN CANADA
Poverty is the major contributor to homelessness in Canada. There are two distinct groups of
homeless people: those who are temporarily homeless - the transitional homeless, and those who
are chronically homeless - living on the streets for more than one year.
This is a snapshot of the tragedy on Canadas Streets:
At least 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year
An estimated 7,350 women and children stay in violence against women
shelters each year in Canada
Toronto has the second highest homeless population of any Canadian city,
with an average of 5,250 homeless on the streets every night
Approximately 3,970 individuals experiencing homelessness stay in city-administered
shelters each year in Toronto

(Homelesshub.ca, 2013)
ABOUT THE CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM:
$2,500
$1,500
CREATI VE WRI TI NG CONTEST BUDGET
TOTAL COST $14,710
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Creative
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program
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION $500 WORKSHOP TRAINING FOR FACILITATORS
$1,500 WORKSHOP COSTS
$1,500
COFFEE HOUSE EVENT
$7,210 PRIZES
In partnership with the Toronto Writers Collective,
Veahavtas Creative Writing Program delivers a
series of ongoing, creative writing workshops which are
geared to marginalized and vulnerable individuals: the
homeless, youth at risk, abused women, Aboriginal
peoples, the LGBTQ community and others. The goal of
the program is to support the establishment of
communities of writers in often silenced populations while increasing the literacy skills of
participants. It is the only program of its kind which offers the Amherst Writers and Artist
method specifically geared to encourage voice without intimidation.
These writing workshops conclude with the Veahavta Creative Writing Contest (CWC) which invites
participants of the Creative Writing Program to submit their writing to be judged by a panel of judges.
Contestants have the opportunity to win cash and other prizes, link with mentors, publish their work
online and in a print publication, as well as participate in a spoken word event.
The creation of a community of writers that once felt disenfranchised and invisible has tremendous
benefits for all of us; creating windows into unknown realities, reducing apathy, encouraging
tolerance and compassion, and giving a broader perspective on Torontos most vulnerable and
marginalized members.
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
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$450 Runner Up (3 prizes x $150)
$500 Workshop Facilitator Training
$540 Merit Award (3 prizes x $180)
$720 Honorable Mention (2 prizes x $360)
$750 Fourth Place Prize Sponsor
$1,000 Food Sponsor
$1,250 Third Place Prize Sponsor
$1,500 Second Place Prize Sponsor
$1,500 Workshop Sponsor (20 workshops)
$2,000 First Place Prize Sponsor
$2,500 Event Coordinator
$5,000 Coffee House Event Sponsor (Naming Opportunity)*
$10,000 Creative Writing Contest Sponsor (Naming Opportunity)*
VEAHAVTA: THE CANADIAN JEWISH HUMANITARIAN & RELIEF COMMITTEE
200 Bridgeland Avenue, Unit D - Toronto, Ontario M6A 1Z4
www.veahavta.org TEL: 416 - 964 - 7698 FAX: 416 - 964 - 6582
Charitable Registration # BN 99 904 2439 RR0001
SPONSOR BENEFITS
*A gift at the $10,000 or the $5,000 level, will be eligible for a Silver or Bronze
sponsorship at Veahavtas annual STARRY NIGHTS gala and includes the following benefits:
SILVER SPONSOR ($10,000)
one (1) reserved block of 10 tickets (premium seating)
presenting sponsor of silent auction, wine, or entertainment
corporate name and/or logo will appear on Starry Nights page on Veahavtas
website, and in a half-page advertisement in program book
BRONZE SPONSOR ($5,000)
one (1) reserved block of 10 tickets (premium seating)
quarter-page advertisement in the program book
The keepers of Anishnabe traditional knowledge say it begins with a whisper. Sometimes
theres so much going on to even pay attention, especially when youre constantly trying
to stay one step ahead of trouble. Looking back, I figure I heard that whisper when I was
seven years old along a prairie highway on a bitterly cold winter night.
A Whisper in the Wind by the CWC first place winner 2013, Westwind Evening
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WWW. VEAHAV TA. ORG