Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region kicks off national student writing contest

Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 are invited to share what home means to them in an annual national writing contest that is now open and accepting entries. With submissions being accepted by mail or online at meaningofhome.ca until February 23, 2024, every student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region build safe and affordable homes. This year, Habitat’s goal is to receive 15,000 student submissions across Canada.

Housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, including children, who understand how it can provide them with a safe place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of strength and security that comes from having a safe place to call home. Every child in Canada deserves to feel this way and that’s why we continue building and advocating for more affordable housing,” says Julia Deans, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “The enthusiastic response to this annual contest where children share in their own words what home means to them is truly inspiring.”

Every local student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region build safe and affordable homes by earning a $10 donation provided by the contest sponsors. Across Canada, three grand prize winners will also receive a $30,000 grant to help their local Habitat for Humanity build homes for families in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners-up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity.

Founded in 2007 by Sagen (TM), the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2.3 million while encouraging more than 100,000 students to become more active and compassionate citizens. Last year over 12,000 entries raised $302,000, helping families in 42 communities across Canada build a brighter future through affordable homeownership.

In 2023, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region had the exciting opportunity to celebrate local runner-up winner Ellyot W., from Grade 6, St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough. Ellyot’s winning entry ‘What Home Means To Me‘ received a $10,000 grant for Habitat for Humanity PKR, supporting the construction of 12 affordable condo units in the City of Peterborough through Phase 2 of the Leahy’s Lane development. Ellyot also received a tablet, a pizza party for her and her classmates and the opportunity to read her winning entry at the Phase 2 Build Kick-Off in front of public officials, media, future habitat homeowners and other attendees. You can read all about Ellyot’s win here and how she was celebrated here.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity again to engage students in conversations about home through the national Meaning of Home contest,” says Jenn MacDonald, communications and donor services manager. “It is truly amazing to see the level of thought and creativity the students put into their entries and the support of our affordable home building efforts.”

In the past four national competitions, there have been four student winners from local schools across the Peterborough and Kawartha Region, including two winners from Edmison Heights Public School, one winner from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s Virtual Elementary School, and Ellyot from St Catherine Catholic Elementary. Their winning entries have raised a total $40,000 for Habitat for Humanity PKR Leahy’s Lane developments, which has already supported 41 local families and individuals into affordable homeownership in the City of Peterborough.

“As this contest’s founding sponsor, we are amazed at the heartfelt student submissions that pour in year after year,” says Stuart Levings, President and CEO of Sagen. “We are proud to have a role in engaging children in caring for their communities at a young age while recognizing how meaningful it is to have a safe place to call home.”

To enter the contest parents and teachers can sign up at www.meaningofhome.ca with submissions being accepted until February 23, 2024.

For more information, please contact Jenn MacDonald, communications and donor services manager, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, by telephone at (705)-874-0201 or via email at .