TORONTO, Sept. 28 /CNW/ - "What do you love most about your home?" From October 4 to November 12, 2010, Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Company Canada ("Genworth Financial Canada") is asking grades 4, 5, and 6 students across Canada to answer this question in the fourth annual Meaning of Home Contest.

The writing contest is in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Students will have the opportunity to express their feelings and make a difference in their community by producing an original essay; one that challenges them to think creatively about a topic that directly impacts their lives.

"The Meaning of Home contest is a chance for us to raise awareness about the value of a home and to help teach a new generation the importance of caring," said Peter Vukanovich, president and COO of Genworth Financial Canada. "This initiative gives young Canadians the ability to help others by putting into words what is most special about their home."

Genworth Financial Canada will donate $60,000 towards the building of a new Habitat for Humanity home in a community of the grand prize winner's choosing. A total of $263,000 has been donated to various Habitat affiliates as a result of the contest to date.  Five runner-ups will also be chosen, one from each of the following regions: GTA, Ontario, Quebec, Prairies, Atlantic and Pacific.

"Children seem to know inherently what they love about their homes, we're looking forward to finding out what their entries show this year," said Stewart Hardacre, president and COO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "The role of the contest is to provide youth with a voice on this important subject, ultimately creating a generation of more engaged, compassionate citizens."

For more details visit The Meaning of Home Contest website at www.meaningofhome.ca Canadian teachers are encouraged to download an education module to help bring the notion of community giving into the classroom while meeting core curriculum requirements. The winner will be announced in January 2011.

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 June 30, 2010, Genworth MI Canada had $5.5 billion in total assets and $2.8 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.

Habitat for Humanity Canada:

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, 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 affiliate 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.