RIPPLE FOUNDATION NEWS & MEDIA

Toronto, ON (April 8, 2026) — Ripple Foundation is proud to announce a record-breaking year for its annual Kids Write 4 Kids (KW4K) Contest, receiving 921 submissions from students across Canada—the highest since the contest’s launch in 2012.

Open to students in Grades 4 to 8, the national contest continues to provide a platform for young writers to express their creativity, share their voices, and develop a love for storytelling. “This year’s response has been incredible,” said Ivy Wong, Founder of Ripple Foundation. “Seeing 921 submissions from across the country reinforces how important it is to give young people a space to create, express, and be heard.”

A Growing National Movement

The 2025–2026 contest saw participation from students representing diverse communities, schools, and backgrounds across Canada. The steady growth in submissions reflects increasing awareness of the program among educators, parents, and young writers nationwide.

Beyond the numbers, the contest highlights:

• A strong interest in creative writing among youth
• Continued engagement from schools and educators
• The impact of accessible, free programs for students

Volunteer-Driven Impact

As a 100% volunteer-run organization, Ripple Foundation delivers its programs without government funding, relying on the dedication of volunteers and community support. From outreach to judging, the success of KW4K is made possible by a network of educators, professionals, and supporters committed to youth literacy and creativity.

What’s Next

Following the close of submissions, entries will undergo an editorial review, with the top 10 stories advancing to final judging by a curated panel of 12 judges.

This year’s judging panel brings together award-winning authors, editors, and industry professionals, alongside past contest winners who help select new voices, ensuring the contest remains truly “by kids, for kids.” Key judges include:

• Scott Chantler, graphic novelist
• Hilary Leung, author and illustrator
• Willie Poll, Métis author
• Emily Dean, proofreader at Fablefern Books
• Ron Tite, author and speaker
• Samia Madwar, senior editor at The Walrus
• Linda Trinh, author
• Tanya Trafford, publisher

“Every year, I’m inspired by the imagination and heart these young writers bring to their stories,” said Ron Tite, 2026 Kids Write 4 Kids judge. “It’s exciting to see their creativity published and to know their words will make a difference for their chosen charities. I’m proud to be part of this initiative.”

Winning stories will be announced on June 1, 2026, and winners will be invited to join the 2027 judging panel, helping shape the future of the contest. The winning stories will be professionally published in print and digital formats, available worldwide on platforms including Amazon, Google Play, and Apple Books. Proceeds from book sales go to the winners’ charities of choice, turning creativity into real-world impact.

About Ripple Foundation

Ripple Foundation is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to fostering youth literacy, creativity, and self-expression through free educational programs and initiatives, including the Kids Write 4 Kids Contest, creative writing workshops, youth publication and conferences.

About Kids Write 4 Kids
Kids Write 4 Kids is more than a writing contest. It empowers students in Grades 4–8 to tell their stories, become published authors, and make a difference through charity.