Grade six student builds home for Canadian family through the use of words

TORONTO , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - Grade six student Kyle Dingle knows a home is more than just nails and wood. He knows it's the family that makes a house a home. And a deserving family will receive a home of their own thanks to Kyle's wise words.

The grade six student from St. John's , Newfoundland won the grand prize in the third annual "Meaning of Home" national writing contest sponsored by Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Company Canada ("Genworth Financial Canada ") in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada .

Selected from over 1,500 submissions, Kyle's winning essay earned him the ultimate prize: a $60,000 donation to build a Habitat for Humanity Home in the region of his choice. Kyle chose to donate the home to St. John's Newfoundland, Cabot Habitat affiliate.

It was Kyle's own experiences that opened his eyes to the need for affordable housing in Canada . He wrote, "There are many, too many, families in the world without a home. It is even happening here in our backyards. On my street a Habitat house is being built right now. I can't wait to see the family that moves in up the street and I hope they are happy now that they have a home."

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.

"Over the past three years, we've seen students impact the lives of many families across Canada through the simple act of writing," said Peter Vukanovich, President and COO of Genworth Financial Canada . "Meaning of Home is more than a contest - it empowers the younger generation to become more engaged, compassionate citizens."

Congratulations also go out to the runners-up: Helen NG (Grade 5) of North York, Ontario; Wynn Toronitz (Grade 5) of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia; Valerie Chevrier (Grade 5) of Cornwall, Ontario; Maude Blondeau (Grade 5) of Princeville, Quebec ; Ali Abdulla (Grade 4) of Chestermere, Alberta.

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 Canada:

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 50,000 volunteers and 73 organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through affordable housing and the promotion of homeownership.

Additional information about Habitat for Humanity Canada is available at www.habitat.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 further information: or to arrange interviews, please contact: Anita DiPaolo-Booth, Genworth Financial Canada, Strategic Marketing Leader, [phone] or [email protected]