Grade four student donation helps build a habitat home

NEWS RELEASE

GRADE FOUR STUDENT DONATION HELPS BUILD A HABITAT HOME

Calgary (March 01, 2010) – Grade four student Ali Abdulla, knows that just like the root anchors a tree, a home provides us with stability and protection. Ali refers to his home as the core of his life. Habitat Calgary sends out a special thank you to Ali for his wise words. The Grade four student from Chestermere, Alberta was a runner up in the third annual “Meaning of Home” national writing contest sponsored by Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Company Canada (“Genworth Financial Canada”). 

Ali’s essay was selected from 1,500 submissions when students were encouraged across Canada to share what “home” means to them by entering the Meaning of Home Contest. With a winning submission, the student has the opportunity to direct a $5,000 Genworth donation to the Habitat affiliate of their choice. Ali selected Habitat Calgary and then suggested to his own family that they should match the Genworth donation. Through this philanthropic corporate and community vision, Habitat Calgary is receiving $10,000 to support a Calgary family. Ali also received a $100 gift certificate to Chapters Indigo. 

Ali wrote, “At home, in the morning when I open my sleepy eyes, kick my covers off, walk over to the washroom, and switch on the light, I do not stop to think of what it would be like to wake up under a wet bridge or a cold park bench, and not have a washroom close by to run to. Ali notes, “A number of cities across Canada have these ten year plans to end homelessness in our cities. These plans call for everyone to play a role together. Governments, business, charities, communities, and people just like you and me, can all make a difference.”

MEDIA IS INVITED TO THE CHEQUE PRESENTATION 

Where:  163-167 Elgin Meadows Garden SE (Habitat home building construction site)

Date: Thursday, March 04, 2010, Time: 9:00 am

Who: Ali and his parents, Genworth representatives will be available for interviews 

The Meaning of Home contest was established in 2007 to raise awareness among students on the importance of having a home. According to Habitat for Humanity statistics, 1.5 million Canadian families require affordable housing. By putting pen to paper, students have the opportunity both to express their feelings and to make a difference in their community. 

To read all of the winning entries and for more information about the Meaning of Home contest please visit www.meaningofhome.ca.

About Habitat for Humanity Calgary: 

Habitat provides the money and volunteers to build simple, affordable housing for low-income families. The Habitat families pay an interest free mortgage to Habitat for Humanity Calgary, which in turn is used to help provide housing for other families.  Habitat Calgary strives to support families in need of a hand up, but in these tough times they face a challenge sustaining and continuing housing projects. 

Additional information about Habitat Calgary is available at www.habitatcalgary.ca

About Genworth Financial Canada:

Genworth Financial Canada, a subsidiary of Genworth MI Canada Inc. (TSX:MIC), has been the leading Canadian private residential mortgage insurer since 1995. Known as “the Homeownership Company”, it provides default mortgage insurance to Canadian residential mortgage lenders that enables low down payment borrowers to own a home more affordably and stay in their homes during difficult financial times. Genworth Financial Canada combines technological and service excellence with risk management expertise to deliver innovation to the mortgage marketplace. As of December 31, 2009, Genworth MI Canada had $5.2 billion in total assets and $2.6 billion in shareholders’ equity. Based in Oakville, Ontario, the Company employs approximately 265 people across Canada. 

Additional information about Genworth Financial Canada is available at www.genworth.ca

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: 

Sandi Ferchau

Fundraising Events Manager

Habitat for Humanity Calgary

403-253-9331 extension 229

403-606-4685

events@habitatcalgary.ca