THE IDEA OF A MASCOT

A mascot is a visual and tactile representation of an idea, a goal, or a way of life. The EEA has been working, diligently and with enthusiasm, as a grassroots association, as registered charity, in full support of the epilepsy community in Northern Alberta, since June 1960. That is almost 65 years of uninterrupted support to individuals, young and old, families, and caregivers to people impacted by epilepsy and life with seizures. 

The theme colour of the EEA is purple, for the colour of epilepsy. Our story is one of a dedicated group of community individuals who, back in 1960, got together and decided to join forces to help people with epilepsy feel less isolated, share knowledge about epilepsy and engage in activities and programs to support their quality of life. What we have never had is a mascot, like an animal or a creature, to represent our community and our work. We want to change that with our 65th Anniversary Celebrations and planning. And you can help!

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are hoping to receive several ideas about an animal or a creature that youth who learn about epilepsy and our association, suggest we consider as a possibility. We decided on an animal or a creature for a couple of reasons. Mascot options open the possibility that the animal or creature will have features that speak to our vision and mission and our story.  We invite participants, under the age of 18 to submit ideas to us through the online form at the bottom of this page. Submissions are free and open to anyone who wishes to participate. The animal or the creature can have any features you can imagine, and we look for details on the reasons why the specific animal or creature would be a best fit for our future mascot.  Some guiding questions to invite yo to consider submitting an entry include:

• Why do you think your animal or creature is the perfect fit for an EEA mascot?
• Why is it an animal or a creature?
• What features does the mascot have that make it the perfect candidate to be the EEA future mascot?
• What materials do you think it could be best made out of? And why?

CLICK HERE FOR THE POSTER OF THE CONTEST

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ENTRIES?
We will be accepting entries from May 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024. Summaries of all entries will be added to this page as updates, to share ideas with everyone. Participants will use the entry form below and we will provide multiple ways to share ideas. All entries will be acknowledged through our special Gala program, and the final selection, made by a jury of volunteers, will pick the winning idea and will reveal the new mascot at the EEA Epilepsy Symposium and 65th Anniversary Gala in June 2025.

HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST FOR THE MASCOT

• Complete the form online below (if you have trouble email us at info@edmontonepilepsy.org 
• We accept ideas in the following formats:
  • Written essay 
  • Short video clip – shared via direct email
  • A paper -design explanation, including a poster type of format for younger participants.
  • A presentation type of submission – such as sides with a voice-over

Every entry will be acknowledged and participants will be officially thanked through EEA social media posts and our newsletter and website. All participants will receive a free 1-year EEA Family membership regardless of the final recipient of the award for the contest. The creators of the winner mascot design will be invited to the Educational Symposium on Friday, June 20, 2025 and will be celebrated at the Anniversary Gala and will receive a special prize.

TIMELINES 
Entries will be accepted between May 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024.  The finalist entries will be reviewed by a panel of volunteer and sponsor judges by December 2024 and the final design and actual mascot will be created and launched for the Educational Symposium and 65th Anniversary Gala