‘Cost of repairing and building homes higher than ever’: Habitat calls on Northumberland for help
Residents can help make a ‘sweet’ difference through ‘Great Gingerbread Build-Off’
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
With housing costs higher than ever, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is calling on the community for help.
Since 1998, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland has been helping local families and residents in need of a hand up to break the cycle of poverty and achieve the dream of a safe place to rest their heads by either building or improving places they can call home.
Habitat does this through fundraising, partnering with local families and rallying volunteers yearly to help build new affordable housing across the county, and through its home repairs and renos program, which means help for people to stay in their existing homes longer.
But for Habitat’s latest call, you won’t need a hammer – instead other tools like icing bags may be ideal.
This November, the Great Gingerbread Build-Off (GGBO) will return for the holiday season, offering residents a chance to make a “sweet” difference in the community and have some festive fun at the same time.
“Proceeds from our Great Gingerbread Build-Off events help fund critical home repairs today and future Habitat home builds tomorrow,” Aimee Tedford, Habitat’s director of business operations, told the Independent. “With the cost of repairing and building homes higher than ever, this event is about more than raising funds, it’s also about raising awareness, building relationships and introducing new people to Habitat’s mission.”
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for “Habitat Northumberland’s expanded holiday fundraiser,” which is described as “bigger than ever.”
The fundraiser is set to make its return with more ways to build, create and join than ever before, the organization has announced.
After raising $25,000 last year, the festive fundraiser is expanding for 2026 and is centred around three events: “The Showdown,” the new “Great Gingerbread Academy,” and free kids’ workshops.
Last year, fundraising efforts helped with a Brighton home renovation project in the Pinnacle Street South area, which meant a mom and daughter finally found home sweet home.
That dedication earlier this year marked Habitat’s 79th partnership with local families since 1988.
“This year, proceeds will help us continue the tremendous growth of home repairs program, which was expanded significantly since its relaunch in the spring,” explained Tedford. “We’re excited to carry that momentum into the next year, and hopefully, have a new Habitat home build project to share as well.”
Building off the success of Habitat’s previous long-standing Gingerbread Festival fundraiser, the signature GGBO competition is now getting a bigger stage this year.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to participate this November.
“The Showdown” is set for Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre.
“Teams of four will race against the clock to create an unforgettable gingerbread build while navigating roadblocks, surprise challenges and Habitat’s infamous building inspectors,” said the organization, adding that new this year, there’s a live spectator component so people can come out and cheer on the teams and “watch the mayhem unfold”
Team registration is open now and it’s $500 per team, and spectator tickets will go on sale at the start of October.
The “Great Gingerbread Build Off Academy” is another new addition, which is set to light up Port Hope High School on Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. Simply put, intermediate and high school students are getting their very own GGBO challenge.
They, too, will be tasked with tapping into their creativity and have to focus on teamwork to race against the clock and tackle “a few surprises along the way.” Registration is open now, with participating teams encouraged to fundraise in support of Habitat and a suggested $50 goal per team member, noted the organization.
Tedford said Habitat is especially excited to engage a new generation of supporters through this event this year.
“Young people … are often eager to learn more about the challenges surrounding affordable housing in Northumberland, and the academy gives us a fun and meaningful way to start those conversations,” she said.
Finally, the free kids’ workshops are set for Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mill Restaurant in Cobourg, and Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Port Hope. These events are geared for “builders” under the age of 12 and are all about creativity and holiday fun, noted Habitat.
Kids will get a pre-built gingerbread house, icing and candy to decorate and take home. One-hour sessions are available throughout the events, said Habitat organizers. However, space is limited, and advance registration is required. Parents and/or guardians also have to stay during the workshop, added Habitat.
“With free workshops for children under 12, the academy challenge for intermediate and high school students, and the adult showdown at the Lions Community Centre, there’s an opportunity for the whole family to get involved,” explained Tedford. “And grandparents can come and be spectators at both challenge events.”
Ultimately, Habitat’s hope is participants will see this is about more than just building gingerbread houses. Instead, it’s about building hope in the community, and learning more about Habitat’s efforts to create safe and stable housing solutions for residents and families across Northumberland.
Realtor Jacqueline Pennington has also returned this year as the title sponsor to support the event for a sixth year.
“The Great Gingerbread Build-Off brings our community together in such a fun and creative way,” added Cathy Borowec, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. “This year, whether you want to build, sponsor, bring your kids or cheer from the sidelines, there’s a way for everyone to be part of it.”
People looking to get involved in this year’s event can visit habitatnorthumberland.ca, which has all registration, sponsorship and event details. Team and kids’ workshop registration has opened, while the spectator tickets will be up for grabs in early October.
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