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.

Submissions are online at meaningofhome.ca or through mail until February 23, 2024, every student who enters the contest will help Habitat Manitoba build safe and affordable homes. This year, Habitat Manitoba’s goal is 3315 student submissions locally, and 15,000 across Canada.

Every student who enters the contest will help Habitat Manitoba build safe and affordable homes by earning a $10 donation. In May, three grand prize winners will be chosen and 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.

Last year, there were 2710 students across Manitoba who entered which lead to Grade 5    Harleen from Winnipeg winning a $30,000 grant for Habitat Manitoba for her entry: “Home, a Place for Love and Laughter”. There were also two additional runner up students including Grade 4 student Simon (Meaning of Home), and Grade 6 runner up Armeen (In My Baba’s Arms) who both won a $10,000 grant for Habitat Manitoba.     

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.

“I encourage all eligible students to participate. Your words have the potential to inspire action and bring about positive change in the lives of Habitat Partner families,” says Jamie Hall, CEO, Habitat Manitoba. “The Meaning of Home contest sheds a light on the pressing issues of the housing crisis in Canada and the role of future philanthropists in our community.”

Founded in 2007 by SagenTM 1, 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.

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor SagenTM and awards sponsors Urban Systems Foundation and Face to Face Games. 

Please visit meaningofhome.ca for further contest details.