Gingerbread by Design holiday auction to benefit the Children's Aid Foundation starts today until December 9

• Holiday houses by designers including Brian Gluckstein, Sarah Richardson & Tommy Smythe
• Eight incredible design & pastry chef teams taking part – photos of houses now online at www.cafdn.org/gingerbread

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Children's Aid Foundation launches today its second annual Gingerbread by Design online auction with a chance to win one of eight incredible gingerbread houses made by top Canadian designers and pastry chefs.  From now until December 9, the charming and creative houses are online and open for bidding through the Children's Aid Foundation auction site, www.cafdn.org/gingerbread.  Proceeds will go to urgently needed housing support for vulnerable young people leaving the care of the child welfare system at age 18. All funds raised from the auction will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor.

This year's Gingerbread by Design houses are designed and created by:
Designers:  Brian Gluckstein,  Suzanne Dimma & Arriz Hassam, Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, Amanda Forrest, Jay Hodgson, Jill Kantelberg, Samantha Pynn and Sarah Richardson & Tommy Smythe.

Pastry chefs from:  Drake Devonshire, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Le Dolci, Lindsey Bakes, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Mildred's Temple Kitchen, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Toronto, and Vita Sociale.

"We are thrilled to have incredibly talented designers and chefs taking part in this year's Gingerbread by Design," says Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO of the Children's Aid Foundation, a national charity. "Not only will people get a chance to win something special to share with their family and friends during the holidays, but they will be helping a young person, who doesn't have family or financial support, set up their own first home."

In addition to winning the gingerbread house, successful bidders will receive the framed, original sketch by the designer.

Gingerbread by Design is part of the Children's Aid Foundation's Hope for the Holidays campaign, where you can make a donation or purchase a gift for a child or family in need this holiday season at www.cafdn.org/holidayhope.  RONA store customers in Ontario can also purchase a JJ Bear for $10 or donate at the cash register to support the Children's Aid Foundation until December 31.

About the Children's Aid Foundation
The Children's Aid Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of Canada's abused, neglected and abandoned children and young adults currently or formerly living in the child welfare system. With the support of generous donors, the Children's Aid Foundation works with child welfare organizations across Canada to provide funding in the areas of prevention, education, enrichment, healing and recovery. Learn more at www.cafdn.org.

SOURCE: Children's Aid Foundation

Lisa Lipkin, Lisa Lipkin Communications, [email protected], 416-988-4189