We are pleased to introduce Ivy Wong, the founder of the Ripple Foundation, as our special guest on Bookpleasures.com.

Ivy is an accomplished Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, and publisher with a deep passion for nurturing creativity in others.

With ownership of Splash Interactive and Ripple Digital Publishing, Ivy has forged partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and has taught creative design at prestigious colleges in Toronto.

But Ivy’s true passion project is Ripple Foundation – a children and youth education charity born out of Ivy’s motivation to cultivate a love for reading and writing among the next generation.

The 100% volunteer-run organization began in 2012 with its flagship Kids Write 4 Kids creative writing challenge. 

Now spanning initiatives including the annual Kids Write 4 Kids, Write It Workshops, the Wave Blog, and the Express Inspire Connect Youth Conference, Ripple Foundation provides a platform for children and youth to showcase their creative writing skills.

Norm: Good day Ivy and thanks for taking part in our interview.

Ivy: Hello, Norm. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to share my experiences with your readers.

Norm: What is your background in creative writing? Why did you decide to provide creative writing services for children?

Ivy: The way I see it is, I like to split up the words “creative” and “writing.”

With a Fine Arts degree from York University and diverse experience as a creative director and designer, I've always been deeply rooted in the creative industry. Creativity is about creating something out of nothing. 

Initially, I knew my give-back initiative would have a creative focus, but I wasn’t sure of how and what I wanted to execute.

With two companies, Splash Interactive and Ripple Digital Publishing, I was keen to leverage my skills to benefit kids since they are our future.

In 2012, I launched the Kids Write 4 Kids contest to encourage children to unleash their creativity and share their stories with the world by offering them a unique opportunity - to become published authors.

I chose writing as the medium because of its universal appeal - unlike visual arts or music, which may only resonate with some, writing is a fundamental skill that enables effective communication. 

Following the contest, it became clear that children could benefit from more structured support to refine their writing skills. With this insight, I collaborated with Certified Ontario Teachers to develop the Write It Workshops.

These workshops blend creativity with essential writing techniques, helping young writers to enhance their skills while staying true to their creative instincts.

Norm: Why do you feel it is important to foster a passion for writing in children?

Ivy: I believe everyone is creative, but many don’t know how to share their ideas. Writing is a powerful communication tool for self-expression and personal growth.

When children develop a passion for writing, they enhance their literacy skills and cultivate their creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

Writing allows them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, fostering self-awareness and empathy.

Writing evolved as an essential skill in a world increasingly defined by digital communication. It enables children to communicate effectively, articulate their ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

By fostering a passion for writing, we equip children with a lifelong tool for self-expression, empowerment, and success in various aspects of their lives.

Norm: What inspired you to launch the Ripple Foundation, and could you tell our readers a little about it? As a follow-up, how did you come up with its name?

Ivy: I am passionate about giving back to the community and inspiring children and youth to get in touch with their creative sides.

Having volunteered at various charities and having educated future creative leaders over the years, I wanted to make more of a direct and lasting impact with my efforts. 

This journey began in 2012 with the Kids Write 4 Kids (KW4K) creative writing contest, a not-for-profit initiative from Ripple Digital Publishing that published winning stories, with proceeds going to charity.

Success with KW4K led to the establishment of the Ripple Foundation in 2015 as an official not-for-profit organization.

Ripple Foundation has three core programs: the KW4K contest (grades 4-8), the Write It Workshops (grades 4-8), and the Wave Blog (grades 8-12).

Write It Workshops, created in response to a recognized need for improved creative writing skills, offer interactive sessions teaching essential aspects of story writing.

The Wave Blog, launched in 2016, gives high school students a platform to share their thoughts and experiences on topics relevant to them.

Our commitment to providing an engaging platform for young writers led to the hosting of our second annual youth conference, Express Inspire Connect.

This youth-organized virtual conference  aims to provide an engaging platform for students in grades eight to 12 to explore youth-led activism, personal growth, and the transformative power of education.

In 2018, Ripple Foundation was officially registered as a charity, broadening the reach of our programs throughout Canada.

Its name originates from my first company, Splash Interactive, signifying the belief that small actions can create significant waves of change - just like a splash makes ripples. 

Ripple Foundation is a volunteer-run, charitable organization dedicated to inspiring creativity, personal expression, and positive change among the younger generation through the art of writing.

We believe in the power of the ripple effect - that through empowering young individuals to express themselves, we can inspire others and effect positive transformation within their communities and beyond.

Norm: Tell me more about the Foundation's workshops. What are some fundamentals that you work on with participants?

Ivy: The workshops are focused on the essential elements of storytelling and writing. The concept was born three years post the inception of our writing contest, which aimed to address the areas where young writers needed the most guidance.

There are five workshop series in the Write It Workshop:

• Brainstorm Bonanza: Focusing on effective brainstorming and the initial steps of story writing. It encourages participants to let their thoughts flow freely and gather ideas for their narratives.

• Mixed Bag Mayhem: About developing the different types of characters. We expand the horizons of imagination by emphasizing that a 'character' isn't restricted to humans - it could be an object, a location, or anything that adds depth to the story.

• Plotline Play by Play: Dedicated to the heart of storytelling - plot development. It guides young writers through narrative progression, climax build-up, and resolution.

• Details! Details!: Highlight detailed descriptions and significance in making a story vibrant and engaging. It aids writers in creating vivid imagery that can hook readers' attention.

• Stay on Track: A common challenge among young storytellers is maintaining a coherent storyline. Kids often brim with ideas and enthusiasm, but weaving these into a connected, traceable storyline can be tricky. This final workshop ensures narrative continuity, helping writers blend their multitude of ideas without confusing the reader.

These workshops emerged as a solution to the problem areas we identified in the story writing submissions from the contest.

They offer a comprehensive learning experience to nurture aspiring writers and equip them with the tools to weave compelling narratives.

Norm: Tell us about the Wave Blog and how it affects the youth it works with.

Ivy: The Wave Blog is an integral part of the Ripple Foundation's mission to provide a platform for young writers to share their opinions and experiences on various topics that matter to them.

Serving as a vibrant online publication, it offers a platform for aspiring writers to share their experiences and insights, reaching readers across the globe.

It provides them with validation, recognition, and a sense of accomplishment. Witnessing their work published and appreciated by a diverse audience sparks a powerful confidence boost, reinforcing their writing endeavours and affirming their creative potential.

Moreover, the Wave Blog creates a supportive community where young writers can connect, share ideas, and learn from each other's work. 

The sense of belonging and the spirit of collaboration create a nurturing atmosphere that fuels their development as writers. It empowers them to continue their creative journey, strengthening their passion for storytelling and confidence in their unique voices.

Norm: I understand you are passionate about creativity. How does this passion connect to the work of the Foundation?

Ivy: I believe that creativity is an essential skill for the future, and literacy is the key that opens the door to success. Creativity challenges kids to think outside the box, find solutions to problems, and generate new ideas.

The spark of creativity is the birthplace of innovation, turning imagination and dreams into reality. And this isn't limited to just the arts - every industry can benefit from creativity because it's integral to how we evolve as humans.

This is where the Ripple Foundation comes in. We're committed to providing a space for kids and youth to delve into their creative side.

We want them to think critically, dream big, and express themselves honestly through their writing. It's about developing good writers and fostering individuals who will shape the future through innovative thinking and creative expression.

Norm: How has the Foundation grown over time, and how do you see it growing over the next several years?

Ivy: Ripple Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run charity offering free programs sustained solely by donations, faced a unique challenge with a lack of consistent revenue. Thus, in 2021, we launched an online merchandise store to facilitate supportive contributions - SHOP RIPPLE FOUNDATION

Since its inception in 2012, KW4K has garnered over 3,800 entries from 1,500 schools spanning ten provinces and two territories, resulting in the publication of 23 titles by child authors.

Since 2018, our Write It Workshops have delivered over 250 sessions, engaging more than 4,000 participants. The Wave Blog has showcased over 220 blog posts and continues to grow.

In 2023, our youth team (grades 9-11) organized the second annual conference, 'Express Inspire Connect,' focused on youth-led activism and pertinent social issues affecting Canadian youth.

We've forged valuable partnerships with various charities like The Word On The Street, FOLD, and numerous public libraries across Canada, which have hosted our Write It Workshops.

While we take immense pride in Ripple Foundation's accomplishments, we are constantly plotting our next move to extend our reach to more youth across Canada. Over the next few years, Ripple will continue to broaden its scope and intensify its impact. Our plans include:

• Forming more alliances with schools and community organizations.

• Enlisting more volunteers.

• Developing online resources and interactive platforms to make our programs universally accessible.

We aim to provide a wealth of opportunities for young writers and, in doing so, continue to foster creativity and literacy across Canada.

Norm: How does one go about volunteering, and what do you look for in volunteers? Do they need any special skills? How much time do you require they volunteer? Do you have branches throughout the world?

Ivy: Anyone eager to ignite creativity and nurture the next generation of writers is welcome to volunteer with Ripple Foundation.

Visit our WEBSITE  to learn about the various roles we offer and how to apply.

High school students can earn volunteer hours and gain hands-on experience facilitating workshops or contributing to the Wave Blog, thus gaining first-hand publishing experience under the guidance of a professional editor. 

Our ideal volunteer is passionate about fostering creativity, values education, and is inspired to empower the youth.

You don't need to be a professional writer or an educator; we appreciate enthusiasm, dedication, and a desire to make a positive impact.

While the time you commit depends on your role and schedule, we're flexible and work to accommodate everyone. Most of our volunteers work remotely, so travelling is not required. Meet our team to see why people volunteer with us.

Currently, the Ripple Foundation primarily operates within Canada. However, we are exploring opportunities to spread our influence worldwide.

Our mission is universal – creativity knows no borders, and we believe in empowering young minds globally.

Norm: As this interview ends, what message would you like to share with our readers, and what do you hope they take away from your work?

Ivy: Creativity is a powerful force that can change the world. When we harness our imagination and ingenuity, we can create something out of nothing, inspire others, and impact the world around us.

As a 100% volunteer-led charity that offers free programs relying solely on donations, Ripple Foundation always welcomes new members to our team who share our mission and have a heart for fostering the next generation’s creativity. Whether you are passionate about literacy and creative arts or wish to give back, your contribution would be highly valued.

Consider subscribing to our newsletter to stay in touch with our work and updates. Please consider DONATING  or purchasing merchandise from our online store shop.

Whether big or small, every contribution goes directly towards cultivating the creative potential of our youth, the leaders and visionaries of tomorrow!

Thank you for this opportunity to share about Ripple Foundation. It's been a pleasure to highlight the power of creativity and the importance of nurturing it in our young ones.