THUNDER BAY -- Building model houses to benefit a charity that builds homes for the less fortunate is fitting.
But when they’re tasty, that makes it fun.
The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity held their fourth annual Great Gingerbread Build competition at the Valhalla Inn on Saturday, with eight teams constructing gingerbread displays of their dreams.
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay CEO Diane Mitchell said the goal was to raise $10,000 for the organization.
“It’s a consistent fundraiser,” she said. “It’s a great event that incorporates everybody in the whole community being able to come build.”
Each of the eight teams was provided with gingerbread, candy, icing and other essential supplies for construction. They also had the option to bring in other edible items for extra fee, as well as pay for penalties against the other teams.
It all creates a competitive atmosphere as they try to earn the three awards available – inspector’s choice, people’s choice and the Grinch Award.
Some of the teams have been competing for a number of years.
Robert Thomson, who was taking part for the first time, joined a group of co-workers who have participated for the past three years.
They decided to go with a pirate ship theme and created a finished product that includes a vessel as the house, along with an island environment.
“It’s a lot of work,” he said. “The team got together a few nights before and prepared all of our gingerbread and other different candies to mock it up, tear it down and bring it all back. It’s been very involved.”
The creativity has grown exponentially as the teams gain more experience.
“They’ve really upped their game,” Mitchell said. “We’ve gone from basic gingerbread stuff in year one and this year it was unbelievable that everybody made.”
For the second straight year the organization also teamed up with Equipment World for their Little Digger Day. Families were able to visit various exhibitions with the proceeds going towards Habitat for Humanity.
