Creative for a Cause: Learn More and Apply Now!
Craft Public Relations announces the return of its fourth annual Creative for a Cause challenge in partnership with First Book Canada.
On March 28 and 29, Craft is inviting students and aspiring PR professionals to participate in our fourth annual Creative for a Cause challenge. In this 24-hour, hackathon-style competition, teams will tackle a real-world communications challenge and put their creative thinking to the test in support of First Book Canada - all while competing for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000!
Interested? Apply here! Applications close on March 7 and selected teams will be notified on March 12. Good luck!
Please note that each team should identify a team leader to fill out the form and act as the primary contact with organizers.
Teams of 2-5 can apply. Each team will receive the same brief from First Book Canada and have 24 hours to develop the most creative (and effective!) communications plan they can muster before presenting it to a panel of judges.
During the challenge, participants will also have the opportunity to work with some of Craft's senior leaders to develop their plans in private mentorship sessions.
One winning team will walk away with a $5,000 prize. First Book Canada will also receive a $5,000 honorarium to implement the successful communications plan - and each participating team will also receive a $500 honorarium!
Teams will be briefed virtually on March 28 and present in person to the panel of judges on March 29 in Toronto.
Did you know that 1 in 4 Canadian households don't have a book in them? First Book Canada aims to address that issue by creating equal access to quality education — making everything from brand new, high-quality books and educational resources, to winter coats, and backpacks, more affordable to its member network of more than 20,000 registered members and educators who exclusively serve kids in need.
Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed more than 10 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families in Canada, reaching hundreds of thousands of children every year.
When is the Creative for a Cause Challenge?
- The challenge will take place over a 24-hour period from March 28, 2025 (beginning at 1 pm EST) - March 29, 2025. Teams will present in 20-minute increments between 2-5 pm EST on March 29th in person.
Where will the challenge take place?
- Friday, March 28: Virtually via Zoom beginning at 1:00 p.m. EST
- Saturday, March 29: 50 Carroll St. Toronto. We’ll ask teams to arrive by 1:00 pm EST
Who is qualified to register?
- PR students and aspiring PR professionals from all across Canada. This can include those in continuing adult education programs with a focus on PR or communications, community organizations, and relevant clubs and committees at colleges and universities. This is meant for those entering the PR world - not current PR professionals. If you are a part-time or full-time PR employee, this competition isn’t for you!
How are teams chosen?
- Teams will be evaluated by Craft PR using a detailed scoresheet when the posting closes on March 7. Selected teams will be notified by March 12, 2025.
- Be sure to show your creativity in your application! We're looking to understand why you want to participate in this challenge and what sort of creative thinking you'll bring to the table.
How many teams will be chosen?
- A maximum of six teams will be chosen to participate.
What are the responsibilities of the team leader?
- To ensure consistency in communication, each team will designate a team leader to fill out the application form and act as the main point of contact in the lead up to the event.
Have more questions? Please contact holly@craftpublicrelations.com for more information on the event or registration process.