CREATIVE WASTE: Treasures to be found deep in the rubbish

Awards were presented today at a gala ceremony marking the 19th International Contest Featuring Toys Made from Reused Materials, an event organized by CLUB 2/3, the youth division of Oxfam-Québec. Held at the Montreal Biôdome, the gala also launched the Creative Waste exhibition, featuring close to 195 toys from Canada, Bolivia, Chili, Haiti, Kenya and Paraguay.

Since 1992, the contest has offered thousands of young people around the world an opportunity to reflect in a playful manner on overconsumption and waste management.  Participating youth are also encouraged to express their own views on these topics, as part of the holiday season and of the COP 16, currently being held in Cancun.

"Their colourful contributions carry values of hope for CLUB 2/3: creativity, ingenuity, but above all environmental awareness and personal development”, explains Jean-Pierre Denis, the co-founder of CLUB 2/3 and the driving spirit behind the contest. “For instance, this year, the contest allowed many young Haitians to learn, through play, about hygiene practices for maintaining good health, an essential process given the living conditions they have been experiencing since the earthquake.”

Outstanding achievement awards were given to Canadian and international finalists, chosen from about 1,000 participants from 6 to 19 years of age. Finalists were selected for their resourcefulness, teamwork, and how well they reused materials. Many of them were in attendance to collect their award. Photos of the event and toys can be viewed on www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamquebec/.

Contest toys will be on display at the Montreal Biôdome until March 6, 2011. Admission to the exhibition is free – a family outing not to be missed! Visitors will be able to  see how everyday objects can be reused smartly and playfully, as well as learn the importance of consuming responsibly and of doing something positive for the planet.  

Photos of the toys:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamquebec/sets/72157625425909847/
Exhibition at Biodôme de Montréal until March the 6th, 2011. Admission is free.

Canadian finalists and international award winners :
• Winners, 6-9 years-old, Canadian final : École Paul-Bruchesi (Montréal), École Trudel (Baie-Comeau), École Sacré-Cœur (La Tocatière, Québec), St-Barthélémy (Montréal)
• Winners, 10-12 years-old, Canadian final: Kells Elementary School (Montréal Ouest), École Laurier (Montréal), Williamson Road Jr Public School (Toronto)
• Winners, 13-19 years-old, Canadian final: École Marguerite Bourgeoys (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), École Paul-Gérin Lajoie (Montréal), École Pierre-Brosseau (Brossard)
• Winners, 6-9 years-old, International: École Paul-Bruchesi (Montréal), Leadership Education Centre (Kénya), Colegio Utasawa (Bolivie), Cethums Foundation, Escuela Union National Arabe (Chili)
• Winners, 10-12 years-old, International: Leadership Education Centre (Kénya), Kells Elementary School (Montréal Ouest), Escuela Básica N° 3278 « Virgen de Caacupé » (Paraguay), Centro Educativo « Nueva Esperanza » (Paraguay)
• Winners, 13-19 years-old, International: École Marguerite Bourgeoys (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), CR 3, Timoun, se Resous Nou (Haïti), Colegio Utasawa (Bolivie)