Habitat urges students to submit to national student writing contest

TORONTO — Habitat for Humanity is inviting students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them in an annual national writing contest.

The contest is now open and accepting entries. Habitat’s goal this year is to receive 15,000 student submissions. Submissions are being accepted by mail or online at Meaning of Home Student Contest – Habitat for Humanity Canada until Feb. 23.

Every student who enters the contest will help local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada build safe and affordable homes, with each student earning a $10 donation towards their local Habitat for Humanity. Three grand prize winners will each receive a $30,000 grant to help a local Habitat for Humanity build a place to call home for a family in need of affordable housing. Nine runners-up will receive a $10,000 grant.

Founded in 2007 by Sagen, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2.3 million while encouraging more than 100,000 students to become more active and compassionate citizens, states a release, adding last year over 12,000 entries were received with $302,000 raised, helping families in 42 communities across Canada with affordable homeownership.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of strength and security that comes from having a safe place to call home. Every child in Canada deserves to feel this way and that’s why we continue building and advocating for more affordable housing,” said Julia Deans, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada, in a statement. “The enthusiastic response to this annual contest where children share in their own words what home means to them is truly inspiring.”