Families build 'home sweet homes' for 12th year in a row

Hundreds of kids to give a 'hand up' to children living in GTA's substandard housing

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - 1,000 children, parents, and grandparents will head to the Ontario Science Centre this weekend to kick off the holiday season by decorating gingerbread houses at Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area's annual Gingerbread Build. Celebrating its 12th year, the Gingerbread Build has raised over $340,000 since 2002—enough to build two Habitat homes for GTA families living in need. The two-day event will feature hot chocolate and treats, plus a visit from Santa.  

"We're thrilled to welcome hundreds of new and returning families to the Gingerbread Build as their holiday season, kick-off event," says Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA. "This event is a great reminder that you don't have to put on a hard hat to help build Habitat homes. You don't even have to be a grown-up. All you need is some creativity and a bit of holiday spirit to help low-income families realize their dream of owning their own safe, decent and affordable home."

Families who cannot make it to the Ontario Science Centre this weekend can still participate by ordering a gingerbread kit to have their own Gingerbread party at home! The Habitat GTA website also provides an option for families to purchase a gingerbread kit for a family living in a shelter, so that they too can enjoy the fun of the holiday season.

Funds raised from the Gingerbread Build will go directly to building more safe and decent Habitat homes for hardworking, low-income GTA families. Habitat GTA has built over 270 homes to date, helping to strengthen the future for children living below the poverty line.

When:			Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 10:30 am -  3:30 pm
Where:			Challenge Zone, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd, Toronto
Who:			Hundreds of children, parents, and grandparents plus festive Habitat volunteers… and Santa!
How:			Purchase your gingerbread kit and book your build shift at habitatgta.ca.

***MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND SAT & SUN, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
AND INTERVIEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE***
Please visit www.habitatgta.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity GTA.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity GTA

or media requests, please contact: Joanna M. Dwyer, Director, Marketing & Communications, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, T: 416 755 7353 ext.259 | C: 416 277-3064 | E: [email protected]