Everyone making a difference for kids with cancer through fundraising is a crucial component of what makes Write a Book in a Day great.
Empowering students to engage with their community to raise vital funds for childhood cancer research, writers learn about altruism and giving back, while working to support other students currently hospitalised by the devastating effects of paediatric cancer.
Without the fundraising efforts of so many writers across the country, The Kids’ Cancer Project would be unable to support its scientists tirelessly pursuing more effective, less harmful treatments for kids with cancer.
Not only was $1.23 million a record amount raised, that sum is the equivalent of what it costs to deliver at least five new clinical trials across Australia, giving hundreds of children with cancer access to cutting-edge therapies they otherwise couldn’t receive.
To a child with cancer and their family, this is potentially life changing. All made possible by the selfless efforts of our Write a Book in a Day fundraisers.
Below, you’ll hear from our highest-ranking fundraisers about why they’re so determined to help their peers who need it most.
Highest Individual Fundraiser: Mohamad D.
ASC Narrative Ninjas, Al Sadiq College (NSW)
Total Raised: $7,769
“Participating in Write a Book in a Day is very special to me because it is an opportunity to help bring stories to life while supporting a cause that truly matters,” says Mohamad.
“The fundraising aspect is especially meaningful, as every dollar raised goes towards kids’ cancer research. Knowing that our writing directly contributes to a great cause is very rewarding. Each year it is proud achievement for me and my team.”
Mohamad and his team, the ASC Narrative Ninjas, also came in first as the Highest Team Fundraiser, raising $9,403 for childhood cancer research. Their Team Coordinator, Mary Semaan, had this to say:
“Al Sadiq College proudly takes part in Write a Book in a Day each year, combining creativity with compassion. Beginning in 2020 with a single team, our goal was to inspire students to write while raising vital funds for The Kids’ Cancer Project,” she says.
“Since then, participation has continued to grow, with more students eager to join this meaningful initiative each year. This year, nine dedicated teams embraced the challenge, writing with purpose to support a cause close to our hearts.
“As our mission expands, we remain committed to creating meaningful stories and raising as much as we can for childhood cancer research. Through this experience, our students not only refine their writing skills but also strengthen their empathy and community spirit, making Write a Book in a Day a cherished annual tradition across our entire College.”
Second-highest Individual Fundraiser: Ruth F.
Nagle College Team 3, Nagle College (VIC)
Total Raised: $4,621
“To me, it was important to raise funds because it was about supporting children just like me but who haven’t been as lucky. Those children deserve the best I can give them and I know the money I raised is going to improve lives,” Ruth says.
“One of my favourite parts of the Write a Book in a Day competition was working with my peers during the fundraising and writing phases. I also loved seeing the generosity of my community and how so many people helped me to raise the amount I did.”
Just like Mohamed and the ASC Narrative Ninjas, Ruth and her team at Nagle College came second in the team fundraising category, raising over $7,500!
“What wonderful news for our students! The Write a Book in a Day competition is now a staple event on our school’s calendar, with this year being the 8th year our school has participated,” says Skye Smith, a teacher and Team Coordinator at Nagle.
“The community is very supportive of the students who participate knowing that aside from the creative challenge it is for them all it is such a worthy event with the funds going to a great cause. Many families in the community unfortunately are affected by childhood cancers and if we can have any part in supporting them then that is wonderful – hopefully one day all cancers can be cured!
This year the students were particularly proactive with their fundraising efforts. Over the years we have learnt what seems to work well for fundraising and what isn’t so effective – everyone loves a bake sale and a sausage sizzle!
“Ruth was particularly proactive and held her own bake sale over the school holidays . She also sold jewellery and cards that she had made and raised funds through her church group. She is a lovely young lady and I am thrilled that she has been recognised in this way.”
Third Highest Individual Fundraiser: Harper S.
Twilight, Inaburra School (NSW)
Total Raised: $2,914
“Kids shouldn’t have to fight cancer. I’m raising money to help scientists find better treatments and hopefully, a cure,” Harper says.
“It was a privilege for our team to create a book for kids in hospital. It was motivating to know that our story and illustrations could brighten their day. I hope they love reading ‘The Key’.”
In a true team effort, Arden Green at Arden Green Anglican School in NSW took out the last spot on the podium of team fundraisers, raising a total of $7,284.
Arden Green’s Chief Editor and Year 6 student, Natalie Zheng, says the chance to improve writing and teamwork skills is what makes Australia’s most inspiring writing competition so great.
“My team’s story follows two friends who, while hiking and swimming, discover a mysterious book that teleports them to Yarn World. Guided by riddles and a magical diamond ring, they work together to uncover a clever thief, a cheeky monkey,” she recalls fondly.
“Creating this book wasn’t always easy. There were moments when ideas clashed, drafts needed rewriting, and time seemed to run out, but we supported one another and persevered. In the end, our resilience and encouragement brought the story to life and strengthened our bond as a team. This experience showed us that imagination thrives when combined with teamwork and a shared goal.
“I hope future teams embrace every challenge with determination and creativity, remembering that teamwork is key, imagination has no limits, and every step of the journey is an opportunity to grow and create something truly special.”
Prize Draw Winners
JPC 1 from the ACT’s St John Paul II College raised over $500, putting them into the draw to win a $1,000 JB Hi-Fi voucher, which they did! Here’s what they said when we asked them why they love creating something great every year for Write a Book in a Day.
“Write a Book in a day is an important day for us as students, as we get to participate in an activity that we love; creating stories and illustrating them.
“Better yet, we get to do this with our friends. We need to engage in this awesome day, as it raises funds for a serious problem that will help in creating a solution. We love writing books!”
A special mention to the top 10 schools that raised the most funds, who are listed below.
Barker College (NSW) – $44,742
St Catherine’s School Sydney and Sydney Grammar (NSW) – $30,130
Al Sadiq College (NSW) – $25,742
Ursula Frayne Catholic College (WA) – $16,941
St Catherine’s Catholic College (NSW) – $15,605
All Saints Anglican School (QLD) – $15,544
Our Lady of Mercy College (NSW) – $14,964
Nowra Anglican College (NSW) – $14,726
Arden Anglican School (NSW) – $14,234
Kinross Wollaroy School (NSW) – $13,268
Want to know more about our research or the different cancers that can affect kids? Why not check out our brand new Research Hub!