The Great Gingerbread Build-Off: A Sweet Spin on the Great British Bake Off—For a Great Cause

Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is bringing holiday cheer (and a little friendly rivalry) to our community with the newly revamped Great Gingerbread Build-Off—a festive fundraiser inspired by the Great British Bake Off. This year’s edition features a high-energy Team Challenge plus Free Kids’ Gingerbread Workshops that blend fun, creativity, and community spirit to support Habitat’s Build and Home Repair Programs across Northumberland County.

Team Challenge: 15 Teams. One Gingy Cup. Endless Bragging Rights.

Fifteen teams of local businesses and community members will face off to design and decorate the most creative gingerbread houses. Expect laughter, friendly competition, and a few curveballs along the way—think well-known judges, playful “building inspectors,” “insurance claims,” and even team “roadblocks.”

Teams will compete for:

• The Gingy Cup (Overall Winner)

• Nailed It (Best Fail)

• Home Sweet Home (Most Creative)

• Solid Foundation (Best Craftsmanship)

• Best Team Spirit

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, November 20

Venue: The Mill Restaurant & Pub (Cobourg)

Status: Only two team slots left — save your spot now

Register: habitatnorthumberland.ca/gingerbread

Free Kids’ Gingerbread Workshops: Sprinkle-Covered Joy, On Us

We’re hosting a series of free, one-hour workshops where children and families can decorate a pre-built gingerbread house, pile on the candy and icing, snap festive photos with Gingy the mascot, and take home their creation.

Workshop Dates & Locations - 8 sessions in all

• Sat, Nov 15 – 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM (The Mill Restaurant & Pub, Cobourg)

• Sat, Nov 22 – 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM  (The Mill Restaurant & Pub, Cobourg)

• Sat, Nov 29 – 2:30 PM & 3:30 PM (Port Hope Library)

• Sun, Nov 30 – 3:00 PM & 4:00 PM (Prep Food Co.)

Workshops are free thanks to our generous sponsors, but pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Register: habitatnorthumberland.ca/gingerbread

Sponsors Building Community

Huge thanks to the partners making this sweet season possible:

• Title Sponsor: Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate

• Kids’ Workshop Sponsors: Prep Food Co., Lester & Associates, K9ine Security, and Nikki & Jenn Realtors

There are still a few sponsorship opportunities available. It’s a perfect way to engage your team and give back during the holidays. Sponsor inquiries email atedford@habitatnorthumberland.ca

Why We Build (and Bake)

“The Great Gingerbread Build-Off is a chance for the community to come together, have fun, and support affordable housing in Northumberland,” says Cathy Borowec, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. “It’s everything people love about the holidays—creativity, teamwork, and giving back—all rolled into one sweet evening.”

All proceeds support Habitat Northumberland’s work to build and repair safe, decent, and affordable homes for local families.

Get Involved

• Register a Team (2 spots left): habitatnorthumberland.ca/gingerbread

• Sign Up for Free Kids’ Workshops: habitatnorthumberland.ca/gingerbread

• Sponsor the Event: atedford@habitatnorthumberland.ca | 289-252-0999 ext. 28