KIDS WRITE 4 KIDS

Roy Oborne, a grade-six student from St. Elias Community School, has won Ripple Foundation’s Kids Write 4 Kids annual writing competition and will become a published author

Ripple Foundation, a national youth-education charity with a goal of cultivating the next generation’s creative literacy skills, recently announced that Roy Oborne, a grade-six student from Haines Junction, Yukon, was one of the winners of its annual Kids Write 4 Kids (KW4K) creative writing challenge. Oborne will become a published author and donate 100 per cent of book sales to the Canadian Cancer Society.

A judging panel— composed of 12 authors, avid readers, previous winners and editors and included the award-winning children’s book author Ekiuwa Aire, and the Globe and Mail children’s book columnist Jeffrey Canton—selected Oborne’s One in the Wilderness to debut as one of this year’s two winning titles.

“I am grateful and appreciative to represent my family and community by trying my best,” commented Oborne. “I have always enjoyed writing, and it’s thanks to my teacher that I have been confident to continue my writing journey.”

Speaking to What’s Up Yukon, Ivy Wong (Founder, Ripple Foundation) said that winners from smaller regions can be a source of pride and inspiration for their communities.

“It showcases the talent and creativity present in these communities and highlights the po- tential for success in the literary field,” Wong continued. “It encourages other young writers in the community to pursue their passion for writing and storytelling, knowing that they, too, can achieve recognition and have their voices heard.

“Additionally, it raises awareness about the importance of supporting local talent and providing opportunities for young people to showcase their skills.”

The KW4K competition is open to students in grades four to eight, across Canada. It is free to enter, to ensure equal opportunities for all aspiring young writers. Contestants are encouraged to submit their original stories to “showcase their unique voices, creativity and storytelling abilities,” according to Wong.

“Children and youth literacy brings numerous benefits to individuals and communities,” said Wong. “It enhances communication skills, expands knowledge and vocabulary and improves criticalthinking abilities. Literacy also nurtures creativity, self-expression and imagination. Communities can encourage children and youth to write by providing them with access to books, creating supportive environments for writing and sharing stories, organizing writing workshops or clubs and recognizing and celebrating their writing achievements.

“Promoting the joy of reading and writing, as lifelong pursuits, and highlighting the value of storytelling can inspire young individuals to engage in writing activities.”

The KW4K winning books are illustrated by Kendra Heer, an Emily Carr University of Art & Design student, and will be available to purchase this month.

“Programs like Kids

Write 4 Kids have the potential to make a significant impact on the literary world,” said Wong. “We at Ripple Foundation hope to nurture and cultivate the next generation of storytellers and authors through such programs.” According to Ripple Foundation, 23 authors have been discovered, and over 3,800 literary creations have been submitted to KW4K since launching in 2012. The next contest will open on October 1, 2023.

“Our aim is to inspire creativity, foster a love for reading and writing and promote the importance of literacy among children and youth,” said Wong. “We hope to see young individuals gaining confidence in their writing abilities, sharing their stories with a wider audience and making a positive impact on society through their writing.

“These programs contribute to creating a future where young people have the skills and confidence to express themselves and engage in meaningful storytelling.”

All books in the Ripple Foundation library are available in paperback and ebook formats and can be purchased at kidswrite4kids. ripplefoundation.ca/books ■

August 12th

The Great Klondike Outhouse Race

You’ve probably ran TO an Outhouse, now’s your chance to run WITH an Outhouse! Sign up today for the Great Klondike International Outhouse Race!

KLONDIKE INSTITUTE OF ART & CULTURE

Mo Kenney with Sophie Noel Thursday, August 10th join us for an inspiring live performance.

KIAC.ca

BOMBAY PEGGY’S

Come and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at our pub with a seasonal outdoor patio.

Open daily at 3pm Located at 2nd & Princess St.

For room reservations BombayPeggys.com

(867) 993-6969

DOWNTOWN

Hotel

Welcome to the Downtown Hotel. Freshly renovated rooms with a Klondike atmosphere. Dine at Jack London Grill with a summer patio and visit the Sourdough Saloon, home of the famous “Sourtoe Cocktail”

DowntownHotel.ca

ANNABELLE’S

NOODLE HOUSE

Enjoy the best noodles in the Klondike! Whether you like Pad Thai, Red Curry, Pho or Spring Rolls- there is something here for everyone!

Open 7 days a week 12pm-8pm

Dine-in & take out. Fully licensed.

AnnabellesNoodleHouse.ca

Upcoming Events

July 29 Yukon Golf Championship

Aug. 5 Midnight Dome Enduro

Aug. 17 Authors on 8th Walking Tour

Aug. 17-20 Discovery Day Celebrations

Aug. 18-20 Dawson Dailey News Print & Publishing Festival

Aug. 19 120th Horticulture Exhibition

Diamond Tooth Gerties

Experience Canada’s First Casino Diamond Tooth Gerties! Replete with Klondike flair, featuring slots, black jack, roulette and the best Cancan shows north of Vegas!

DiamondToothGerties.ca

BONANZA GOLD

MOTEL AND RV PARK

We offer Queen, Double, Kitchenette & pet friendly motel rooms. 50, 30 & 15 amp RV sites available. Free wifi, public laundry, showers & car wash. A great place to stay!

BonanzaGold.ca

Goldrush Campground

Located downtown Dawson City close to amenities, with history and adventure minutes from our facility. Showers and laundry provided on-site.

GoldrushCampground.com

KLONDIKE KENNELS

Meet the rarest breed of dog in the world Qimmiq Inuit Dogs, or come for an overnight local off-grid experience in our cozy rustic cabin.

Klondike-Kennels.com