Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is inviting teams, students and families to get creative with gingerbread this November as part of its Great Gingerbread Build-Off.
The annual fundraising initiative supports Habitat’s housing programs and its work to provide safe, stable and affordable homes for people in Northumberland County.
Aimee Tedford is the director of business operations for the Cobourg chapter. She says organizers decided to try a slightly different approach to the event this year. Rather than having people build their gingerbread houses at home and bring them in for judging, she thought they could invite participants to come in and build them on-site.
Tedford said the idea was such a success that she decided there needed to be a “main event” — leading to the Build-Off showdown, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lions Club of Cobourg. Teams of four will compete in timed building challenges, with roadblocks, surprise tasks and building inspectors adding to the fun.
So far, 21 teams have confirmed their participation, making this the biggest gingerbread house event Habitat has ever hosted. But the event goes even further than that, according to Tedford.
Tedford says that while the Build-Offs are fun for everyone involved, they are also a great way to help people better understand how Habitat supports the community.
Judges will select the overall winner, while spectators can support their favourite creations through People’s Choice voting by donation. Admission is $40 and includes food and a non-alcoholic drink.
All proceeds from the events go directly toward Habitat’s Home Repair Program.
Free gingerbread-building workshops for children under 12 are also planned for Nov. 14 at the Mill Restaurant in Cobourg and Nov. 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Port Hope. Advance registration is required.
More information about registration and tickets is available at habitatnorthumberland.ca/gingerbread.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
