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Young people encouraged to enter writing contest and support Habitat for Humanity

Students in the Estevan area are encouraged to help a family in the city become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, thanks to the Meaning of Home contest, a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Students in the Estevan area are encouraged to help a family in the city become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, thanks to the Meaning of Home contest, a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada.

The Meaning of Home contest asks students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them. In the last 12 years, over 50,000 students across Canada have shared what home has meant to them.

Thanks to their inspiring words, and Genworth Canada’s generous support, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $1 million to build homes across Canada for families in need of decent and affordable housing.

Three grand prize winners, one for each grade, will have the opportunity to direct a grant of $25,000 to a local Habitat for Humanity. Nine runners up will receive a grant of $5,000 for the Habitat build of their choice.
For every contest entry, a donation of $10 will be made to that student’s local Habitat committee, ensuring every student can help build Habitat homes in their community.

“Throughout Saskatchewan, youth are excited to make a difference in their communities. They want to make a positive impact,” says Kelly Holmes-Binns, Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO.

“The Meaning of Home contest is a great way to engage youth in our vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to call home.”

“As a father and grandfather, I believe in the value of getting children involved in the community and teaching them even though they are young, they have the power to effect positive change,” said Mark Rodgers, Habitat for Humanity Canada president and CEO. “We need to empower youth to know that they can change this world for the better.”

The Meaning of Home contest is open to all Grade 4, 5 and 6 students across Canada. Submissions will be accepted online between Jan. 7 and Feb. 18, and winners will be announced in April. More information on how to enter, as well as details on prizing, can be found on the Meaning of Home website.

“As a founding sponsor of the Meaning of Home contest, we have seen its positive impact grow year after year,” said Stuart Levings, president and CEO of Genworth Canada. “By encouraging students to become more engaged, we are teaching them to become more compassionate community members, all while educating them on the need for more affordable housing in Canada. We are proud supporters of Habitat for Humanity and this contest, which is helping to raise awareness about affordable housing concerns amongst our future leaders.”