Habitat Victoria’s 14th annual Gingerbread Showcase returns for a good cause

Habitat Victoria's 14th annual Gingerbread Showcase returns for a good cause
CHEK

Forget the cookie cutter.

Mixing in some ginger, eggs, flour, butter and, of course, a lot of creativity and hard work, this year’s Gingerbread Showcase is turning heads in B.C.’s capital, all for a good cause.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s 14th annual Gingerbread Showcase kicked off Saturday at the Parkside Hotel and Spa on Humboldt Street, immersing visitors into this year’s theme, “Magical,” until Jan. 2, 2023.

From unicorns to the Great Hall at Hogwarts and even Disneyland, all of the cookie creations, made entirely of edible ingredients, were likely baked at a gingerly pace because the attention to detail is quite evident.

The more than 20 entries were crafted by both amateur and professional volunteer bakers, according to the non-profit, which invites spectators to come and see for themselves.

“So if you come down, you can see the magic they’ve interpreted into their creations,” Jenessa Mattson, manager of Marketing and Communications at Habitat Victoria, told CHEK News.

“This is our main fundraiser for Habitat Victoria, and the funds that come from people that donate to vote for their favourite creation go to our Build Fund to help local families get a hand up into affordable home ownership.”

Presented by Revera Living, the showcase is now on display in the hotel’s atrium. Mattson encourages people to drop by, donate, and vote for their favourite gingerbread house to win the coveted Peoples Choice Award.

“Come on down to the Parkside, see these magical creations in person and help to bake a difference for local families in need of a hand up,” she added.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria, founded in 1990, is a registered charity that helps make affordable homeownership achievable. They’ve built 34 homes locally and served 38 families, with funds raised at the showcase only boosting those numbers.

For those who can’t make it in person, entries can be viewed and donations are accepted online.

Ethan MorneauEthan Morneau

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