RSPCA Victoria asks Victorian kids for their Pawsome Stories

Bestselling children’s authors, Sally Rippin and Cameron Macintosh, join RSPCA Victoria to launch Pawsome Stories, a competition for young writers to share stories and essays with animal welfare as the creative focus and inspiration behind their work.

Victorian children in grades three – six are invited to put their writing skills to the test, with entries to be reviewed by the renowned authors, who will sit on a judging panel alongside RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker.

The Pawsome Stories writing competition asks participants to write either a fictional story about rescuing an animal, or a persuasive essay to answer the question, ‘If you could change one thing in the world to improve animals’ lives, what would it be and why?’

Australia’s highest selling female author, Sally Rippin says, the best thing about writing is you can do it anywhere.

“All you need is something to write with and a great, big, furry, scaly, feathery imagination! I can’t wait to read some of the stories you come up with. My furry friend has been the best writing buddy I could ever ask for. He basically just sleeps by my feet all day until it’s time to go for a walk.

“Animals make people so happy, whether we share our homes with them or simply admire them in nature. The more we love and protect our animal friends, the better the world will be. That’s why I’m so proud to be a judge for this writing competition and a big supporter of the RSPCA.”

The respected animal welfare organisation says it takes people of all ages to work together to improve animal welfare in the community. Pawsome Stories aims to educate children about what it means for an animal to live a happy and healthy life, as well as develop their writing skills and learn the value in sharing information through storytelling.

RSPCA Victoria’s CEO, Dr Liz Walker, said that by engaging primary school students through writing, the organisation hopes younger generations will feel more connected to its vision and goals to end cruelty to all animals.

“We know that writing helps children cultivate their creativity and critical thinking skills, which will serve them well throughout their schooling and professional futures.

“We hope that Pawsome Stories may spark an interest in animal welfare that will benefit both the child and the adult they grow to be, ultimately creating a kinder future for animals.”

By engaging with school aged children through entertaining interactive activities, RSPCA Victoria aims to educate Victoria’s young people about the community’s responsibility toward all creatures great and small, while working alongside the school curriculum to help develop written communication skills.

Cameron Macintosh, author of Max Booth Future Sleuth series said, “It’s a real thrill to be part of an initiative that advances awareness of animal welfare issues by encouraging compassionate creativity and critical thinking.

“I hope the competition will help young people experience the sense of empowerment that can come through this type of expression, and am very excited to see what the Pawsome young writers of Victoria come up with.”

Entrants of Pawsome Stories will have the opportunity to learn more about animal welfare and the work of RSPCA Victoria. Judges will decide upon one winner and two runners up in each of the categories. While the winner will receive a Pawsome Stories trophy, other prizes include Dymock’s vouchers, plush toys and a virtual tour to meet RSPCA Victoria’s barn animals.

2020 and winners will be announced on a live webinar on Thursday 10 December at 4.30pm.

Visit https://rspcavic.org/pawsomestories

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