Over 8,000 Grades 4, 5 and 6 students from across Canada shared what home means to them in the annual Meaning of Home contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Each of the three grand prize winners (one from each grade) will receive a $25,000 grant to be directed to the local Habitat build of their choice. Nine runners up have won a $5,000 grant towards a local Habitat for Humanity home build. Every student entry earned a $10 donation for that student’s local Habitat for Humanity, helping to raise an additional $82,000 that will go towards building more homes in communities across Canada.

“I want to congratulate all the winners, but I also want to thank every student who entered and shared what home means to them,” said Mark Rodgers, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “Each and every one of you has made a tangible difference in your community - helping raise both awareness and funds that will allow us to serve more families.”

Mallory Pitzner, from Airdrie, Alberta is the Grade 4 grand prize winner and will be directing her $25,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. Click here to read Mallory’s winning poem “When I Think of Home”.

Eva Marasa is the Grade 5 grand prize winner, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her grant will be directed to Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. Click here to read Eva’s winning poem: “Home”.

The Grade 6 grand prize winner is Hannah Brown, from St. John’s, Newfoundland, who is directing her grant to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland & Labrador. Click here to read Hannah’s winning poem: “Home”. Click here to read Hannah's poem as illustrated by Mazie Love.

Runners up - Grade 4

Runners up - Grade 5

Runners up - Grade 6

To read all the winning entries, please visit meaningofhome.ca.

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor, Genworth Canada.

"The Meaning of Home contest encourages students to become engaged and compassionate community members. At the same time, the program educates and inspires them to learn about the issue of affordable housing. Since this contest started back in 2007, we've provided over $1.2 million in funding to Habitat for Humanity nation-wide to empower youth to change this world for the better”, said Stuart Levings, President and CEO, Genworth Canada.

In addition we appreciate the support of our new sponsors, awards sponsor Revera Inc. and judging sponsor The Silver Hotel Group.