For Immediate Release
HAMILTON, ON (June 18, 2025) Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is proud to announce that Ayaan, a talented Grade six student from Stoney Creek, has been named the national grand prize winner of the 2025 Meaning of Home writing contest, earning a $30,000 grant to support the construction of safe and affordable homes right here in Hamilton.
This marks the second year in a row that a local student has won the contest’s top honour, showcasing the strength and compassion of youth in our community.
The Meaning of Home contest, organized annually by Habitat for Humanity Canada and sponsored by founding partner Sagen™, invites students in grades four, five, and six to share what “home” means to them through short essays or poems. Each student entry results in a $10 donation to their local Habitat for Humanity, helping raise awareness about the need for affordable housing while also encouraging literacy and empathy. Along with the grand prize win, 2025 saw a record number of local student submissions, leading to an additional $5,680 in funding.
Ayaan’s powerful submission stood out among thousands of entries from across the country, highlighting the importance of security, belonging, and community. His words not only touched hearts but will now tangibly impact lives through a $30,000 grant that will go directly toward a future Habitat Hamilton build.
“We are absolutely thrilled for Ayaan and deeply grateful for the impact his words will have on families in our city,” said Sean Ferris, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. “Programs like the Meaning of Home contest empower young people to use their voices for good, while directly supporting the construction of homes for those in need. Ayaan’s win is a win for Hamilton.”
Ayaan and his classmates were treated to a pizza party as part of the celebration held on June 17th, where he was also presented with an iPad. Habitat for Humanity Hamilton would like to thank Sagen, Habitat Canada, and all other sponsors, along with all the students, families, and educators who participated in this year’s contest. Your creativity and compassion are helping to build a stronger Hamilton one word, one story, and one home at a time.
Read Ayaan’s submission here. To learn more about the Meaning of Home contest or how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, please visit www.habitathamilton.ca.
Media Contact:
Jeff Wolfson, Director, Marketing & Development
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Phone: 905-560-6707 ext. 110
Email: jeff@habitathamilton.ca
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent charity, building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. Since 1991, Habitat Hamilton has built and renovated dozens of houses for underhoused families. Our vision is a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With world-class project build execution, we foster and build equity through affordable housing while fully integrating diversity and inclusion into everything we do. We mobilize local volunteers, community members, donors, and corporate partners,seeking to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. www.habitathamilton.ca
About Habitat for Humanity Canada:
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national charitable 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 46 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 Sagen:
As a sponsor since 2000, Sagen has donated over $6.9 million in support of Habitat Canada and has helped thousands of Canadian families realize their dreams of affordable homeownership. While Sagen’s financial support provides crucial funding for its homeownership program, its support of Habitat Canada extends far beyond financial contributions. Sagen employees have lent their leadership experience, industry knowledge, and time to help launch many of Habitat’s signature programs, including the Sagen homebuilding grants, Global Village volunteer program in Canada, and the Meaning of Home contest. These programs, along with Sagen’s support and involvement, have significantly increased Habitat’s ability to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and ultimately, support more families and build stronger communities. Find out more at www.sagen.ca.