The Meaning of Home contest, a national writing contest that asks Grade 4, 5 and 6 students to share what home means to them, is now accepting entries! The contest runs from January 6, 2020 to February 21, 2020, and invites Grades 4, 5 and 6 students from across Canada to submit a written poem or essay (in English or French) explaining what home means to them for a chance to direct a $30,000 grant to a local Habitat for Humanity build. Nine runners up, three from each grade, will also receive a $10,000 grant towards a local Habitat build.

And, best of all, for each student entry one of our generous corporate partners will donate $10 to the student’s local Habitat for Humanity. That means every student can help make a difference in their community by sharing what home means to them.

“This contest is a great way to get students involved in learning more about why access to decent and affordable housing is so critical,” said Meghan Reddick, Vice President of Brand, Communications and People at Habitat for Humanity Canada. “It’s also never too early to learn about the importance of giving back and that every action, big or small, can make a difference.”

Since 2007, over 58,000 students have participated in the Meaning of Home contest. Last year, over 8,000 Grades 4, 5 and 6 students from across Canada shared what home means to them and this year, we are hoping for a record-breaking 10,000 submissions.

Last year’s Grade 6 winning entry, written by Hannah Brown, was illustrated by, Mazie Lovie, the daughter of a Habitat homeowner. You can see Hannah’s illustrated poem here, and read all of last year’s winning entries here.

Thanks to their inspiring words, and the support of founding sponsor Genworth Canada and award sponsors Revera Inc. and The Silver Hotel Group, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $1.5 million to build homes across Canada for families in need of decent and affordable housing.

The Meaning of Home contest offers a unique and meaningful way to get students involved in the creative writing process. It is an opportunity for them to learn about the importance of giving back to the community and foster their active participation as world citizens. Teachers or parents who are interested in having their Grade 4, 5 or 6 students participate can learn more at meaningofhome.ca.

Stay tuned the winners of the 2020 Meaning of Home contest will be announced in May, 2020!