BY CINDY FAIRS
Encourage student writing while helping the community!
Habitat for Humanity Southeast BC (HFHSEBC) will be participating in the Meaning of Home Writing Contest, a national fundraising initiative of Habitat for Humanity Canada. With the support of a partnership with Genworth Canada, Habitat affiliates are able to participate across the country making them eligible to receive a $60,000 grant that is awarded to the contest winner’s chosen Habitat affiliate.
From Oct. 1 – Nov. 10, 2014 students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 can put their creative writing skills to work and enter the contest by writing about what home means to them.
The contest winner has an opportunity to win an iPad with prizes including a pizza party for the entire school. Additional prizes include $5,000 grants directed to local Habitat builds.
Cindy Fairs, resource cevelopment coordinator, stated, “This is a fabulous opportunity for students to get involved in their own community and to see how their contribution can make a difference.”
For every student who enters the contest, Genworth Canada will donate $5 to the local affiliate within their area, with the funds raised to be used towards future builds.
Habitat for Humanity Southeast BC has built a total of 19 homes within the region which spans from Rock Creek to the Alberta border and Golden to the U.S.A. border. Of the 19 homes built to date, two have been in Greenwood, 12 in Grand Forks, one in Castlegar, four in Nelson and one currently being constructed in Cranbrook.
“With participation of students and schools we will have a greater chance to build another home within our region and not only will Habitat for Humanity benefit, but so will the student,” Fairs added.
By incorporating the writing contest in classroom activities, teachers will be able to use it to meet core curriculum requirements by encouraging independent critical thought, creative writing and increasing awareness of social issues.
HFHSEBC mobilizes volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty by giving the underprivileged a hand-up and not a hand-out.
For more information visit www.meaningofhome.ca or call HFHSEBC at 250-442-2722 ext. 229.