CONNOR WRIGHT
CPK founder
LYNNFIELD —Connor’s Kindness Project (CKP) founder Connor Wright, 14, won the national “Call For Kindness Competition,” sponsored by the Riley’s Way Foundation.
The Riley’s Way Foundation encourages young leaders to apply for grants that fund initiatives that strengthen their communities and inspire kindness.
CKP was founded in 2021 and its primary focus has been delivering Kindness Kits, which are meant to be entertaining, comforting and fun for children in challenging situations, whether it be a serious medical issue, mental health crisis or poverty situation. The Kindness Kit is a box of carefully thought out items selected by Connor himself and includes a mini-Lego set, Bombas socks, Etch-A-Sketch, Play-Doh, slime, crayons, a coloring book, stickers, a Foldscope and Pop It.
CKP has delivered more than 3,000 kits to 29 partner locations throughout all of New England. Some well-known organizations receiving these kits include the Ronald McDonald House, Lahey/Beth Israel, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, UMass Memorial, Christopher’s Haven, Shriners and Lazarus House. The mission is growing rapidly and CKP has requests for over 2,500 kits for 2023.
“CKP aligns perfectly with the mission of Riley’s Way and I am excited to join a group of like-minded youth to collaborate, learn and share my personal experiences,” said Connor. “It is an honor to be recognized by Riley’s Way and the funding that comes along with this award will be used to further launch our Kid’s Kindness Club in more elementary schools.”
The nonprofit organization also recently launched the Kid’s Kindness Club, which is a way for CPK to introduce elementary school age children to community service, being kind and supporting others. This program is launched in schools, where the student body takes a pledge together, each student completes 20 acts of kindness and then the children are awarded a certificate of kindness and a “kindness is my superpower” sticker.
The national Call For Kindness Competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to invest in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. To date, Riley’s Way has awarded hundreds of inspiring young leaders across the country and helps fund their projects. In addition to funding, Connor, will join the Riley’s Way Fellowship, consisting of mentorship, professional development and peer-learning.
“The 2023 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today,” said Riley’s Way Executive Director Dr. Christine O’Connell. “They have answered the call to make a difference in their communities, adding to a national movement for kindness.”
Ian Sandler, the co-founder and board chair Ian Sandler of Riley’s Way, said, “The Call For Kindness inspires and draws in exceptionally gifted young leaders who are driven by a deep passion to make the world a better place.”
“These remarkable young leaders hold the key to tackling the world’s most pressing issues and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality,” said Sandler. “Whether they are just beginning to explore their ideas or have advanced plans, we strive to support and encourage them to imagine a better future and work tirelessly toward it.”
About Riley’s Way Foundation
Riley’s Way is a national nonprofit that invests in and supports the next generation of kind leaders. They provide young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers, including seed funding for social impact projects, coaching and skill building, networking opportunities and a peer community.
Riley’s Way supports young leaders around the country to envision change and achieve it. Mackenzie and Ian Sandler established Riley’s Way in 2014 in memory of their daughter Riley Hannah Sandler, whose kindness and friendship undergird its work. Three flagship programs implement the mission: The Call For Kindness, Riley’s Way Councils and an annual Youth Leadership Retreat.
Since it’s founding, Riley’s Way has supported more than 3,000 young leaders across the U.S. with over $2 million in grants, workshops and programming.
