TORONTO, May 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thousands of students across Canada are helping build a stronger future through words. Habitat for Humanity Canada’s annual Meaning of Home writing contest drew more than 19,000 student entries this year, setting a new participation record and raising $440,000 in support of local Habitat organizations nationwide. Students were invited to reflect creatively on the question, “What does home mean to you?”
Record Participation and Impact
Through their submissions, students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 explored the meaning of home while learning about the affordable housing crisis in their communities. Every eligible submission sparked a $10 donation to the student’s local Habitat for Humanity, directly supporting the construction of safe, decent and affordable housing for families.
This year’s contest saw a significant increase in participation compared to previous years, with more than 19,000 entries from across the country. The $440,000 raised will be distributed to local Habitat organizations to fund building projects and support families in need of affordable housing.
Grand Prize Winners
Three grand prize winners were selected for their outstanding submissions. Each grand prize winner earned a $30,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. The Grade 4 grand prize winner is Julia S. from Halifax, for her entry My New Home. Julia’s $30,000 grant will benefit Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia.
The Grade 5 grand prize winner is Harlow M. from Inverness, N.S., for her entry Beautifully Messy. Harlow’s grant will benefit Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia. The Grade 6 grand prize winner is Ella L. from Edmonton, for her entry Home. Ella’s grant will benefit Habitat for Humanity Edmonton.
Runners-Up
Nine runners-up were also recognized, each receiving a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Grade 4 runners-up include Imran U. of Calgary (entry: What Home Means to Me, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta), Vsevolod P. of St. Catharines, Ont. (entry: My Home, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Niagara), and Estelle S. of Toronto (entry: What Home Means to Me, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area).
Grade 5 runners-up are Willow P. of Nobleford, Alta. (entry: What Home Means, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta), Jeremy S. of Brossard, Que. (entry: Le sens de chez moi, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Québec), and Amarachi K. of Fredericton (entry: Where My Heart Feels Safe, benefiting Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick).
Grade 6 runners-up include Akthem A. of Mississauga, Ont. (entry: My Everything, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin), Asif A. of Dartmouth, N.S. (entry: Moza is Home, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia), and Artem S. of Winnipeg (entry: Meaning of Artem’s Home, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Manitoba).
Building Awareness and Community
Through their heartfelt entries, students demonstrated a shared understanding of home as a place of safety, belonging and possibility. The contest not only raised funds but also educated young Canadians about the importance of affordable housing and community support. Habitat for Humanity Canada expressed gratitude to all participants, teachers, and families who made the contest a success.
