Local student wins $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario
Grade 6 student from London a runner up in national student writing contest
June 3, 2020
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London, Ontario
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The Meaning of Home is a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada that asks students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them. London student Emily Phillips is one of three Grade 6 runners up in the national contest, helping win a $10,000 grant from Genworth Canada that will go towards Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario. Each student entry also earned a $10 donation for their local Habitat. Habitat Heartland Ontario had 330 entries from local students, earning a $3,300 donation.
“Thank you to the local students and teachers that took part in the Meaning of Home writing contest this year,” said Brian Elliot, CEO of Habitat Heartland. “Reading through all their submissions has been truly inspiring, especially during these difficult times. Special congratulations to Emily Phillips on her winning entry! The money Emily and her peers raised through their entries for Habitat Heartland will go a long way to build safe, secure and affordable homes for families in our community.”
There are three grand prize winners, one from each grade, who have won a $30,000 grant towards a local Habitat for Humanity build. Nine runners up have won a $10,000 grant towards their local Habitat. Over 10,200 students entered this year’s Meaning of Home contest, which sets a new record. During a time when many local Habitats are struggling with the financial impact from COVID-19 on their operations, this contest helped raise over $280,000. These much-needed funds will go towards building homes for families in need of a safe and secure place to call home across the country.
The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor, Genworth Canada.
“I’d like to congratulate each of the contest winners and thank all the students who submitted entries on what home means to them. Since 2007, the Meaning of Home contest has been empowering youth to become engaged and compassionate members of the community while educating them on the importance of affordable housing. We’re proud to be a founding sponsor of this initiative,” said Stuart Levings, President and CEO, Genworth Canada.
In addition to the support of founding sponsor Genworth Canada, the Meaning of Home contest would not have been possible without the support of awards sponsor, Revera Inc. and judging sponsor, The Silver Hotel Group.
Habitat Heartland is planning a socially distant parade celebration for Emily at her school, and will follow up with information on how the media can attend!
For more information please contact:
Emily Rust
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario
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