National Student Writing Contest in Support of Habitat for Humanity Canada Launches

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Students across the country have an opportunity to help a family become a Habitat 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 submit an essay or poem on what home means to them to help support a Habitat build of their choice.

In the last 12 years, over 50,000 students have shared what "home" has meant to them. Thanks to their inspiring words, and the generous support of founding sponsor Genworth Canada, 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 build of their choice. Nine runners up will also each receive a grant of $5,000 to donate to the Habitat build of their choice. For every contest entry, a donation of $10 will be made to that student's local Habitat, ensuring every student can help build Habitat homes in their community.

"As a father and grandfather, I believe in the value of getting children involved in the community and teaching them that 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 Grades 4, 5 and 6 students across Canada. Submissions will be accepted online between January 7 and February 18, and winners will be announced in April. More information on how to enter, as well as details on prizing, can be found at www.meaningofhome.ca.

"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."

Habitat for Humanity Canada

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, nonprofit 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 nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.

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.

Habitat for Humanity Canada:
Sarah Anderson Austin
Senior Manager, Communications
C: 647-571-6405
E: [email protected]

Genworth Canada:
Susan Carter
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Ph: 905-287-5520
E: [email protected] 

SOURCE Genworth MI Canada