It’s a match made in housing heaven, as a leading mortgage insurer and Habitat for Humanity team up to raise money for communities across Canada.
It’s a match made in housing heaven, as a leading mortgage insurer and Habitat for Humanity team up to raise money for communities across Canada.
“Habitat for Humanity is a natural fit for Genworth Canada because we both share the same level of commitment towards enabling affordable homeownership for Canadians,” Linda Belanger, Community Relations Leader for Genworth Canada told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. “We launched The Meaning of Home contest in 2007 to help raise awareness among today’s youth of the true value of a home and also teach them that their actions – no matter how small – can make a difference.”
The premise of the event is simple: Genworth will donate $5 for every student in grades 4- 6 across Canada who submit an online essay or video explaining what “home” means to them.
Last year, the event received 5,000 entries – each garnering a a $5 donation to the Habitat for Humanity affiliate closest to the entrant’s home. This year, along with each donation, one winner will earn an extra $60,000 donation to the Habitat for Humanity affiliate of the winner’s choice, along with a pizza part for his or her entire school.
“While our support for Habitat extends far beyond The Meaning of Home, this contest is the highlight of our partnership and something we are extremely proud of," Belanger said. “Since launching in 2007, our employees have read more than 15,000 entries and we never cease to be amazed by the inspiring and thoughtful words of these young authors."
The cause has raised $570,000 since its inception and this year, it hopes to continue the exponential growth; last year received 55 per cent more entries than the previous year. According to Genworth and Habitat for Humanity, the initiative is a great way to teach children that a small gesture can have a profound affect.
"The Meaning of Home contest does more than provide financial support to build Habitat homes," said Kevin Marshman, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "By empowering children to make a difference in their communities, this contest is helping us raise awareness among today's youth of the importance of having a safe place to call home."
To get a child in your life involved or to learn more, check out the official website.
