The Continental Marathon of Poetry for Peace by Peri Hayes Organized by Ecuadorian entrepreneur, Eloy, the Continental Marathon of Poetry for Peace is a connective initiative designed with care and passion for bringing people together through means of peace. As a champion for social and political ongoings, Eloy decided years prior to invite his students to meet in nature. Located by the rivers where their words and water flow in unison, approximately 160 people met across four bridges and proceeded to read for 20 soul-filling hours. Having created a well-embraced cartography of tenderness and light — a safe place where people could go to share their message — this led to the launch of the Continental Marathon of Poetry for Peace in 2021. Poetry for Peace’s Canadian Ambassador, Janis Hamilton, initially met Eloy in Mexico City. Having recently reunited this past summer at a peace conference in Guelph, Janis feels prepared to bring this serene vision to fruition. As she further details, “Eloy and others were talking about a sense of community and the distance which occurred during COVID. This led to discussions surrounding the weight of words, and that sharing words of kindness during a time when there’s such turmoil is quite powerful.” Furthermore, Janis jumps for joy to report that this is Poetry for Peace’s debut in Canada. In her role, Janis is responsible for promoting and overseeing the scheduled events being celebrated locally. Passionate about facilitating this community collaboration in the place which she calls ‘home’, she voices about her involvement: “Words are a way of expression. This initiative is spreading throughout South and Central America, and I think it’s very important for Canada to be included in this.”
Janis emphasizes the human connection which stems from a collective consciousness and the sharing of voices. Regarding Poetry for Peace, there will be a variety of artists stationed at designated locations throughout St. Thomas and the surrounding area. Each participant will curate a nook of space in the community for celebrating connection, poetry and peace. As Janis earnestly expresses from her heart, “The pillaging of nature and the devastation to communities is something which I feel deeply. I pray for peace. I advocate for peace. This is an opportunity for me to put action behind the words that I have spoken.”
Global and growing, the Continental Marathon of Poetry for Peace is open to the public and will occur in accessible spaces – wel- coming all who are interest - ed. Poetry for Peace will be ongoing on October 22nd and throughout the week. With specific dates and lo- cations to be announced, kindly refer to the next edi- tion of Hometown St. Thom- as for further details regard - ing the four local presenters.
To directly contact the whimsical Janis, email janham4609@gmail.com or phone 519-688-7299.
PROUDLY CANADIAN LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
SAVE $ 5 on any purchase of $30 or more Valid for sale once per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Taxes Extra. Valid only at Global Pet Foods in St. Thomas. EXPIRES AUGUST 31st, 2026 EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30th, 2026
for every $20 you spend, before taxes, per purchase.
Page 26 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2026
To advertise here contact Geoff@VillagerPublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs