12th Annual Gingerbread Showcase

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Friday, January 1st, 2021

It may look a little different this year, but Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s premier fundraiser the Gingerbread Showcase, sponsored by Revera, will launch its 12th season this year! More than forty bakers have answered the call to take part in this year’s event. These amazingly talented people who volunteer their time to create works of edible art, together with community hosts, are ensuring that the charity is able to continue this must-see seasonal attraction – all to help raise funds for its current build project in North Saanich.

“We are delighted to announce that we now have ten community host partners on board to bring the showcase out into the community,” said Kelly King, Director of Communication and Giving at Habitat for Humanity Victoria. “Entries will be distributed in groups for viewing from the outside in a safe and physically distanced way.” Admirers will still be able to donate-to-vote for their favourite gingerbread. The creation receiving the most votes will be awarded the People’s Choice Award at the end of the Showcase.

Unable to visit all the sites in person? No worries, all entries will also be featured online.

One hundred per cent of the donations made by visitors and viewers will directly help local families build strength, stability and independence through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program. “We knew we had to find a different way to present the Showcase this year, we hope it will continue to be a welcome part of Greater Victoria’s seasonal celebrations for families, friends and visitors alike for many years to come – no matter the challenges!” added King.

Creations will be displayed online and at several locations in Downtown Victoria and Sidney. Habitat’s key host partner, T

he Parkside Hotel & Spa, will be joined this year by nine additional host locations:

• Café Fantastico at the Parkside Hotel & Spa

• The Marriott, Inner Harbour

• The Chateau Victoria

• The Doubletree

• Vintage Spirits at The Hotel Rialto

• Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa

• Peninsula Gallery

• Flush Bathroom and Travel Essentials

• Seawards Souvenir and Apparel

“Coastal Living” is the theme for 2020.

“This year our volunteer bakers have been invited to create beautiful pieces which reflect the incredible environment that we as a community are so privileged to share. I cannot wait to see what they create for us! The level of skill and imagination is both a surprise and a delight every year,” said Yolanda Meijer, CEO of Habitat Victoria.

Further details on Habitat’s generous host partners, route maps and detailed views of these amazing creations will be made available on the charity’s website at www.habitatvictoria.com/gingerbread2020 closer to the launch of the Showcase.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria is a registered charity that brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Since 1999, Habitat Victoria has built 23 homes locally and currently has 11 new homes under construction, the largest number of concurrent builds in its history. Through volunteer service, efficient management, funder support and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent and affordable houses. Habitat houses are then sold to qualifying partner families and financed with affordable mortgages. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments, which are set annually to be between 25 – 30% of their household income, go into a revolving fund called the Fund for Humanity, which is used to build more homes for other families in need through a powerful “pay-it-forward” model. Habitat’s homeownership model empowers families by providing a “hand-up". In addition to mortgage payments, each homeowner invests hundreds of hours of their own labour through volunteer service into Habitat projects, including the building of Habitat homes, as well as at its ReStores and through the charity’s events.