Students in the region have generated $11,970 for Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region through the recently completed Meaning of Home writing contest.
The nation-wide contest asked Grade 4, 5 and 6 students to write a poem or story about what home means to them.
Each submission provided a $10 donation to their local Habitat for Humanity.
A total of 1,197 written pieces were received in the region, with 1,089 coming from Waterloo Region District School Board students.
"The Meaning of Home contest, in support of Habitat for Humanity, is a great opportunity for students to learn about giving back to their community and the importance of having a safe home, while improving their creative writing skills and raising money for their local Habitat organization," the board said on its website when announcing its participation.
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region was founded in 1988 as a charitable organization working to ensure every resident has a suitable place to live.
According to the organization's website, 1 in 4 households lacks a decent, affordable living situation.
Last July, with the support of local partners, it pledged to build 10,000 homes across the region that will sell for 50 per cent of the market value through the Build Now project.
One of its projects is a 24-unit affordable townhouse complex on Shantz Hill Road that was recently given the all clear from the Ontario Land Tribunal after an appeal by a neighbour who cited safety, compatibility and density issues.
After the ruling, Habitat for Humanity said it hopes to "get shovels in the ground as quickly as possible."
For more information on Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region visit habitatwr.ca.
