(January 7 2019 – Hamilton, ON) – Genworth Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada are again partnering up to engage young minds in an annual writing contest. Called Meaning of Home, the 12th annual event invites students in grades four, five and six from across Canada to submit a poem or essay explaining what home means to them. Three grand prize winners will be picked, one from each grade, all who will be able to direct a $25,000 donation to the Habitat build of their choice. Three runners-up from each grade will also be chosen, for nine in total, who can direct a $5,000 donation to the build of their choice. All winners will also receive an electronic tablet and a pizza party for their class. In addition to the prizes, Habitat Hamilton will receive a $10 donation from Genworth for every entry submitted in the area .
Over 50,000 Canadian students have taken part in the contest since 2007, helping to raise over $1 million for Habitat for Humanity affiliations across the country thanks to their inspiring words and Genworth’s generosity.
Submissions will be accepted by mail between now and February 18th or online at meaningofhome.ca. Judging, sponsored by The Silver Hotel Group, begins February 19th and winners will be announced in April.
“Engaging young minds to get involved in social activism is an effective method to ensure Habitat’s longevity. Meaning of Home is not only a great way to encourage children to write creatively and think independently, it also teaches the next generation the importance of giving back to the community and foster active participation as global citizens. We encourage all students in grades four through six to enter the contest, which is an excellent opportunity for fun and learning,” says Habitat Hamilton’s Executive Director, Sean Ferris.
“As a founding sponsor of Meaning of Home, we have seen the positive impact it has on young minds year after year. Encouraging students to engage in Habitat Hamilton’s mission teaches them about the need for affordable housing in our city, and to become more compassionate community members. I am especially thrilled to be partnering with Habitat Hamilton on Meaning of Home again this year as a current board member, and look forward to reading some excellent submissions from Hamilton students,” says Carlo Montagnese, Regional Vice President, Ontario Region, Genworth Canada.
Meaning of Home helps to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, and to engage and educate the next generation in Habitat Hamilton’s mission. Interested students, parents or teachers can sign up now on meaningofhome.ca to get contest updates and start submitting entries.
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton:
Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent, not-for-profit housing program that works to break the cycle of poverty by building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. Habitat Hamilton has accommodated 25 partner families locally since its incorporation and is one of Habitat Canada’s fastest growing affiliates, with several builds and developments currently underway. Habitat Hamilton’s mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in order to break the cycle of poverty throughout Hamilton and the surrounding region. For more information, please visit ebmediatestsite.ca/test8.
This year, Habitat Hamilton broke ground on a prefabricated steel home in the heart of downtown Hamilton, dubbed the “Steel City Home Build”. Habitat homeowners, the Amnual’s, will receive the keys (and mortgage) to their new home on January 19th.
About Habitat for Humanity Canada:
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, Habitat homeowners and 54 local Habitats working in every province and territory, we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in Canada and around the world. Habitat for Humanity Canada is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which was established in 1976 and has grown to become a leading global non-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.
About Genworth Canada:
Genworth MI Canada Inc. (TSX: MIC) through its subsidiary, Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Company Canada (“Genworth Canada”), is the largest private residential mortgage insurer in Canada. The Company provides mortgage default insurance to Canadian residential mortgage lenders, making homeownership more accessible to first-time homebuyers. Genworth Canada differentiates itself through customer service excellence, innovative processing technology and a robust risk management framework. For more than two decades, Genworth Canada has supported the housing market by providing thought leadership and a focus on the safety and soundness of the mortgage finance system. As of September 30, 2018, Genworth Canada had $7.0 billion total assets and $4.0 billion total shareholders’ equity. Find out more at www.genworth.ca.
For more information please contact:
Sean Ferris, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Phone: 905-560-6707 ext. 108
Email: sean@ebapi.ca