** DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR THE 2012 MARK R.ISFELD CONTEST **
MCpl. Mark R. Isfeld:
Many Canadians have served on several international missions in the course of their careers, repeatedly fulfilling their duties against the constant background of danger. One example of this special effort comes from Master Corporal Mark Isfeld. He was a combat engineer who served in three peace missions before losing his life in a landmine explosion in Croatia in 1994.
While serving overseas Mark was known for giving children in war-torn regions handmade dolls that his mother crocheted. These ‘Izzy dolls’ brought a smile and a glimmer of hope to children facing tremendous hardship. Mark’s legacy continues and thousands of these dolls have been crocheted and donated by people all across Canada. The dolls are distributed to Canadian soldiers who in turn give them to children in war-torn countries. This kind and generous act by countless Canadians keeps MCpl. Isfeld’s tradition alive.
Interested in submitting an essay for this year’s contest?
Deadline: 30 April 2012 (DEADLINE EXTENDED)
Guidelines: Participants must be 14 – 18 years old. Essays are limited to between 250 – 500 words. ALL SUBMISSIONS must include a cover page with your full name, date of birth, hometown, mailing address, school currently enrolled in, and word count.
E-Mail your submission to : admin@canadianlandmine.org
or
Post: Canadian Landmine Foundation
c/o LCMSDS Wilfrid Laurier University,
266 Marsland Dr.,
Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z1
The question: What is a peacekeeper, peacemaker?
Why does it matter that we have peacekeepers and peacemakers in our communities? You have an opportunity to explore these ideas in your submission for the Mark R. Isfeld Essay Contest.
Mark Isfeld is a great example of a heroic Canadian peacemaker. Mark was a courageous Canadian who worked to clear landmines in war-torn countries. Tragically, while on a peacekeeping mission in Croatia in 1994, Mark lost his life to a landmine. He sacrificed his life in the pursuit of peace.
Mark is just one example. Peacemakers exist throughout Canada, in our cities, towns and local communities. You may have peacekeepers living with you in your home.
In honour of Mark, the Canadian Landmine Foundation wants YOU to submit an essay and tell us what characterizes a peacemaker?
To help you in this process, you can learn about individuals in your community or prominent Canadians that have embodied peacemaking and tell us about them. What have they done to bring about peace to their community, the country and the world? Why do you admire them?
By doing this, YOU will have an opportunity to learn about positive role models that are dedicated to achieving a better world. Building strong commitments to peace internationally must start with an individual’s dedication to peace at home.
Open to all Canadian residents between the ages of 14 and 18. Essays may be submitted in either official language.
