A local company is encouraging people to put pen to paper and enter a poetry competition in celebration of International Poetry Day on 21 March.
Jenlesley Pty Ltd, the parent company of Childers Woodgate Funeral Services, is running the competition in celebration of the annual day in the hope of bringing the community together to celebrate the power of the written word.
Company director Fred Hampson said he regularly saw the power of poetry and the written word at the many funeral services he officiates and he hoped the competition would inspire people to put pen to paper as a way of dealing with the tough times in life.
“Words hold great power, and poetry and stories conjure up so many emotions for many people,” Mr Hampson said.
“They can make us laugh or cry, provoke deep thought and reflection, they can give comfort and hope.
“Many people turn to writing as a way to help them cope during hard times or grief, and by running this competition, we hope to help those in our community who are suffering through tough times to find an outlet for their feelings.”
Mr Hampson said all entries in the competition would be compiled into a poetry book, the proceeds of which will be donated to support a local cause.
“As a local family business, we are passionate about supporting local families and local businesses, so in addition to donating all proceeds of the poetry book sales to local businesses, we have also ensured that prizes for the competition have been sourced from local businesses.”
First prize is a $100 voucher for Mollydookers Cafe, second prize is a $50 Voucher to Karen Geiszler Hair and Beauty and third prize is a $25 voucher for Vintner’s Secret Vineyard.
Details of the competition and how to enter can be found on the Childers Woodgate Funeral Services Facebook page, or by calling 4126 3821.
Entries can be submitted in person, via Facebook or email, and they close at 11.59pm on Friday 18 March 2022.