Winner of "The Meaning of Home" contest

As Regional finalist of Genworth Financial Canada's 2008 writing contest "The Meaning of Home", Michelle Stoopler, a fifth-grader, donated 5 000 $ to Habitat for Humanity Montreal (HFHM) on June 18, 2009

Surrounded by her classmates from the United Talmud Torah school, Michelle handed over the prize money to HFHM on the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new duplex to be built in St-Henri.

This house has since been completed, allowing two low-income Montreal families to become homeowners in 2010. "I am thrilled to be a finalist in the contest, but I'm even prouder to know that I will make a difference for two families who will be able to afford a home where they can be happy and generate memories," says young Michelle Stoopler, the sole Quebec winner.

Her written work, explaining what a home means for her, was chosen among more than 2,000 texts written by Grade 4,5 and 6 students from all over Canada. The Meaning of Home contest, in its second edition, aims to raise awareness among students about the importance of having a home.

In addition to receiving many prizes, the winners contribute to building a quality family home, with Genworth Financial Canada donating an amount in their name to a Habitat affiliated organization of their choice.

“Our statistics show that 1.5 million Canadians are presently without affordable housing. To mitigate this situation, we hope to be able to increase the pace of constructions over the next years,” added Stephen Rotman, president of Habitat for Humanity Montreal.