Grand prize winners of Habitat for Humanity Canada’s national writing contest announced
Three grand prize winners, nine runners-up and 12,000 entries in this year’s Meaning of Home contest
Since 2007, national writing contest the Meaning of Home shares what home means to students in Grades 4, 5 and 6. This year, three grand prize winners and nine runners-up have joined over 12,000 students across Canada to raise $302,000 for Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada through their entries. Three grand prize winners won a $30,000 grant to their local Habitat for Humanity organization. Runners-up have won a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who entered and earned a $10 donation to their local Habitat for Humanity with their submission.
Habitat Niagara was in the top eight of Habitat affiliates across Canada, raising over $4,500 locally thanks to the participation of teachers and students across all municipalities. Manager of Resource Development, Emily O’Connor was welcomed into classrooms in January and February to chat with students about Habitat for Humanity, the difference between a house and a home and about the contest itself.
“Many of the students knew of the different elements that go into building a house and were eager to talk about what home means to them,” said Emily, “and it was heartwarming to hear how these young kids recognize that feeling safe, secure and well-cared for can transform four walls and a roof into a home.”
The enthusiasm for the Meaning of Home contest was evident as Habitat Niagara received an additional 82 entries from last year’s total.
The Grade 4 grand prize winner is Daphne U. (Toronto) for her entry: “No Place Like Home”. Her $30,000 grant will benefit Habitat for Humanity GTA.
The Grade 5 grand prize winner is Harleen S. (Winnipeg), for her entry: “Home, a Place for Love and Laughter”. Harleen’s grant will benefit Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.
The Grade 6 grand prize winner is Léah C. (Côte Saint-Luc), for her entry: “What Home Means to Me”, and whose grant will benefit Habitat for Humanity Quebec.
“Safety, security, a place of love, a place to grow, play, learn and make memories – these are the things that children say matter most when asked what home means to them,” says Julia Deans, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “Housing provides a foundation for all these things, and we continue to build and advocate so more families can benefit from affordable homeownership.”
“Since the Meaning of Home contest began in 2007, over 100,000 students have shared what home means to them. With the support of Sagen as founding sponsor, these students have raised $2.3 million to help more families in need of homes build stronger lives through housing,” said Stuart Levings, President and CEO of Sagen.
The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of Founding Sponsor, SagenTM, and Award Sponsors Urban Systems Foundation, Face to Face Games, and Home Trust.
To read all the winning entries, please visit www.meaningofhome.ca/page/winners2023 .
Download full media release.
