Students from across the district are invited to create a submission for the Meaning of Home writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Open to grades 4, 5 and 6 students across Canada, the Meaning of Home writing contest asks for students to submit a poem or essay explaining what home means to them.
“It’s a great way for students to engage in an interactive and fun way, and it teaches youth the importance of safe, affordable housing,” explained Rachel Hopf, marketing, communications, and community engagement specialist at Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington.
Since 2007, over 80,000 students from across Canada have shared what home means to them, raising over $1.7 million to help local Habitat for Humanity organizations to build more affordable housing opportunities. Donations are not made from students, but rather on behalf of students from their entries.
“For every student entry, the Habitat for Humanity in that student’s area receives a $10 donation from the title sponsor Sagen. When the winning entry from each grade is selected, $30,000 is donated by Sagan to the Habitat in that student’s area,” said Hopf. “Plus for the 3 runners up selected from each grade, another $10,000 is donated! Funds help Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing and provide housing opportunities for families in their community to transform their futures.”
The contest opens January 3 and runs until February 18. Teachers can submit entries on behalf of their class, or students can submit their own writing directly on the website.
“Teachers and Parents can sign up now at meaningofhome.ca to receive information about the launch,” Hopf explained. “When teachers register, they will receive documents to assist in incorporating this activity into their regular curriculum.”
Beyond that, award winners receive a special prize.
“On top of all of the great fundraising this provides to local Habitat organizations, the winners will receive a tablet and a pizza party for their class!” shared Hopf.
To learn more about the Meaning of Home writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada, please visit: https://habitat.ca/en/ways-to-partner/partner-with-us/meaning-of-home