A fundraiser has been launched to create a plaque at the former Steinbach home of acclaimed author Miriam Toews. The initiative was started by local resident and Toews fan, Sarah Klassen, who believes that the home deserves recognition for its role in shaping the award-winning writer’s career.
Klassen, who has been a long-time admirer of Toews’ work, was surprised to learn that the author’s former home in Steinbach did not have any recognition or historical marker. She felt that it was important to acknowledge the significance of the place where Toews spent her formative years and wrote her first novel, “Summer of My Amazing Luck.”
“I was shocked to find out that there was no plaque or any sort of recognition for Miriam Toews’ former home in Steinbach,” Klassen said. “As a fan of her work, I felt that it was necessary to honor the place where she began her journey as a writer.”
Toews, who was born and raised in Steinbach, has become a renowned figure in the literary world, with her novels being translated into multiple languages and receiving numerous awards. Her writing often explores themes of family, mental health, and the complexities of growing up in a small Mennonite community.
The fundraiser, which has already received support from the community, aims to raise enough funds to create a plaque that will be placed outside Toews’ former home. The plaque will include a brief history of the author’s life and her connection to the house, as well as a quote from one of her works.
Klassen hopes that the plaque will not only honor Toews’ achievements but also inspire future generations of writers from Steinbach.
“I believe that it’s important to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our local artists,” Klassen said. “I hope that this plaque will serve as a reminder of the talent and potential that exists within our community.”
The fundraiser has set a goal of $2,000, which will cover the cost of creating and installing the plaque. Any additional funds raised will be donated to a local charity chosen by Toews herself.
The initiative has received praise from Toews’ fans and supporters, who believe that it is a fitting tribute to the author’s legacy.
“I think it’s wonderful that someone has taken the initiative to honor Miriam Toews in this way,” said Steinbach resident, Rachel Peters. “Her writing has touched so many people, and it’s great to see her hometown recognizing her achievements.”
The fundraiser is ongoing, and Klassen hopes to have the plaque installed by the end of the year. She encourages anyone who is interested in supporting the initiative to visit the fundraiser’s website for more information.
In the words of Klassen, “Let’s come together as a community to give Miriam Toews the recognition she deserves.”
