A brainchild of popular local musician Joey Clarkson and Habitat for Humanity, The House the Kids Built is a friendly competition directed at the youth of the Comox Valley.
It inspires them to take action and create real and positive change in their community through a fundraising competition that is open to local youth aged five through 18.
The challenge is for participants to raise money to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity house to be built in our community in 2013. The challenge will continue until May 10, with special prizes to the most successful and innovative young philanthropists.
"One of the most important things you can do to empower youth is to give them something outside of themselves to put energy into, " says Clarkson." By working together for a common goal, especially a goal as important as housing for those in need, they can see how many people out there care, and see the positive power youth can have if they only reach out and take it.
"The House the Kids Built will be a physical reminder, living long past the life of the competition, of the positive change and contribution we can make to our world when we bring our community, youth and leaders together."
Clarkson will visit School District 71 schools in the following weeks meeting students, inspiring them take the opportunity to make an immediately visible difference in their community.
Habitat for Humanity was founded on the belief that everyone has the right to a decent and safe place to live. Mobilizing communities, engaging people from different walks of life Habitat is eliminating substandard housing one build at a time. Since 2004 Habitat for Humanity has built eight homes for hard-working families on the North Island, and they are constructing six more.
Showcasing Joey's new song Everybody, especially written for this project, Clarkson is looking for youth who would like to be a part of the recording. Selected students will have the opportunity to take part in the production and public premier of this new Habitat anthem at the gala kickoff party in January 2013.
The single will be released via iTunes next spring, with all proceeds to Habitat for Humanity.
For more information on this project, and how you can get involved, visit www.facebook.com/thehousethekidsbuilt or e-mail thehousethekidsbuilt@gmail.com.
— Habitat for Humanity