Have you started getting ready for Christmas yet? So much to do! Make the list, check it twice, do all the shopping, plan the outfits, the meals, decorate, go to parties, clean up before, during, after! The cleaning! Nothing stresses me out more than prepping the house for a party. It can be overwhelming! Today, take a minute, just a moment to stop and reflect on how truly blessed we are to have lists to make, cupboards stuffed full of food for dinner and Bounty to clean up afterwards. That we have a roof over our heads and all that craziness to look forward to. Not everyone is quite so lucky. Some of our friends, our neighbours in communities close by or just down the road could use a helping hand over the holiday season. This is why I’m more than happy to tell you about the 12th Annual Gingerbread Build!
Hundreds of families will kick-off the holiday season by helping to build a ‘home sweet home’ for families in need by decorating their own gingerbread houses at Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area’s 12th Annual Gingerbread Build. While volunteers have to be at least 16 years of age to volunteer on a Habitat build site, children of any age can participate in the Gingerbread Build. By doing so, they are offering a ‘hand up’ to children in need of a simple, decent, affordable home.
100% of the funds raised through the Annual Gingerbread Build go directly to building Habitat homes for families in need of affordable housing in the GTA.
Join the Gingerbread Build Party
What? Fun festivities, prizes, music, and a visit from Santa!
When? Saturday December 6 or Sunday December 7.
Where? Challenge Zone (Weston Family Innovation Centre), Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd, Toronto. Free parking provided for event participants.
Note: Ontario Science Centre admission tickets are not required for this event. A 20% discount is provided to those wishing to visit the exhibits. Free parking is provided for the gingerbread build. To visit other sections of the OSC, you are require to move your vehicle to the paid parking lot at a discounted Habitat rate of $5
Take-Away Kit (Host Your Own Gingerbread Build)
What? Purchase gingerbread kits to decorate at home, school or office holiday party. 1 or 100, they also make the perfect gift!
When? Kits can be picked up between November 17th and December 19th.
Where? Kit can be picked up at of Habitat GTA’s three offices (Brampton Caledon, Newmarket or East Toronto).
Note: Free delivery is provided for orders of more than 40 kits within a 20 km radius of the three regional offices. Contact Sally.Ding@habitatgta.ca to request this or other arrangements.
Like me, and don’t live in the GTA? There are a number of ways you can support this great event! You can Visit the Gingerbread Build website to purchase a take-away gingerbread kit for festive fun at home. The kits can be picked up any of the three Habitat GTA offices.
Here are all the details about those kits:
Gourmet Gingerbread Kits
$50 each *Early Bird Special: Order by November 15th and save 10%!
Each Kit Includes: 8.5" gingerbread house (unassembled or pre-assembled), cardboard toolbox stuffed with a variety of candy, two bags of icing, two holiday cookies, foil base, cellophane wrap, and charitable $25 tax receipt ($20 if early bird).
Contact Sally.Ding@habitatgta.ca to discuss school, church, corporate or other group purchases.
Spread the holiday cheer by purchasing a kit for a family living in a local women and children’s shelter. A great way to lend a hand and pay it forward.
Spread the holiday cheer by purchasing a kit for a family living in a local women and children’s shelter. They will deliver an undecorated gingerbread kit with a special message from Santa’s Helpers (you and your family!) Last year, more than50 kits were donated to families living in shelter.
When all the fun is done, and you’ve paid it forward you can get back to your list, your crazy, your cleaning up, and know you’ve done a small thing that helps in a very big way!
Updated! I have a #Giveaway for you!
I’m happy to announce that one lucky reader of How To Survive Life In The Suburbs will win one spot for a family of four (4) to attend the “Gingerbread Build” at the Ontario Science Centre!! Do you live in the GTA? Available to attend Sunday December 7th at 1:30pm? Then please enter using the Rafflecopter form provided. I will close this giveaway by Wednesday Dec. 3rd so you have time to make your plans to attend!
Giveaway Details:
1 Spot for a Family of Four (4) for The Gingerbread Build Party!
The build time & date: Sunday, December 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Location: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd
Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own.
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I would love to go with my son!
I’m available!! I would take my son, sister and niece!! I live in the GTA!!
I would love to attend with my sons