As part of the organization’s annual fundraiser in support of their mission to build affordable homes across Greater Victoria, Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase has invited bakers to interpret “Family Traditions” in gingerbread.
The 15th anniversary of this friendly competition kicked off hours, and sometimes weeks, of effort by volunteer bakers working solo or in teams. So long as the ingredients remained 100% edible, they could give their imaginations free reign. And the participating bakers certainly did so in the pursuit of awards such Best First Impression, Best Use of Skill & Technique, Best Interpretation of the Theme, Most Creative & Original,and Most Diverse Use of Ingredients.
The results of their hard work are highly inventive, sometimes amusing, and oftentimes tender and rather sweet. Now, these fanciful confections are on display in the lobby of the Hotel Grand Pacific from now until January 4, 2024.
The public is invited to help decide which baker deserves the showcase’s top honour, the People’s Choice Award, by voting for their favourite gingerbread creation.
“Voting is easy, good fun, and importantly, raises funds towards affordable homeownership in our community more than any other single event in our calendar,” said Habitat for Humanity Victoria CEO Scott Dutchak. “We’re incredibly fortunate that the people of Victoria keep coming through for us when every year the need for decent, affordable homes is greater than the year before.”
Habitat for Humanity Victoria typically receives a personal donation with every vote. At the $25 mark, donors can receive a tax receipt if desired.
Just like the professional and home bakers, all of the event staff at the Gingerbread Showcase are enthusiastic volunteers. Habitat for Humanity Victoria also relies heavily on sponsorships to make the Showcase possible.
Parkwood Place has remained an important sponsor for more than five years and has been a Presenting Sponsor for the past two years. Long-time residents and staff at the retirement residence look forward to both attending the Showcase every year and dreaming up and building award-winning gingerbread creations of their own, which they have done since 2018.
The Hotel Grand Pacific has come on board as an event sponsor for the Gingerbread Showcase, as well as for other Habitat for Humanity Victoria gatherings. Other generous supporters for this year’s Gingerbread Showcase include Urban Systems Foundation, the Q, CHEK, Virgin Radio, The Zone, CTV, CFAX, Black Press Media, Karen Elgersma Media, SW Event\Technology, Long & McQuade Victoria, Used.ca, islandparent, and the Times Colonist.
Made for anyone with a sweet tooth and a giving disposition, the Gingerbread Showcase is a seasonal tradition that cannot be missed. If you’ve enjoyed past Showcases, this year’s free all-ages event will continue to surprise and delight.
If you can’t get out to visit in person but want to appreciate the amazing gingerbread creations, join in on the voting online. The winner of the 2023 Gingerbread Showcase Peoples’ Choice Award will be announced on January 6, 2024.
We’ll follow up with Habitat for Humanity Victoria on January 6, to find out which entry in the 2023 Gingerbread Showcase captured the Peoples’ Choice Award.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase is on display at the Hotel Grand Pacific from November 25, 2023 to January 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.habitatvictoria.com/gingerbread for more information.
