Stunning gingerbread house fundraiser returns to Victoria
The 14th Annual Gingerbread Showcase has returned to Victoria in support of Habitat for Humanity.
Each year, volunteers spend hundreds of hours making the 100 per cent edible gingerbread houses, and this year's competition launched on Saturday.
People can vote for their favourite gingerbread house, either in person or online for free, though the charity encourages voters to also make a donation in support of their favourite creation.
Mystic Night created by Tracy Aitchison, Tina Ware, Liana Tupper. (Habitat for Humanity)
The donations go to Habitat for Humanity Victoria to help local families build or secure affordable housing.
The theme of this year's gingerbread showcase is "Magical."
Voters can choose their favourite gingerbread houses across six different categories:
- Best first impression
- Best use of skill & technique
- Best interpretation of the theme
- Most creative and original
- Most diverse use of ingredients
- The People's Choice Award – as voted for by showcase visitors
Christmas Magic at Hogwarts Hall created by Jesika Edison. (Habitat for Humanity)
People can see the displays at the atrium of the Parkside Hotel & Spa at 510 Humboldt St. in downtown Victoria from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until Jan. 2.
"It’s a joyous, creative competition that helps foster the spirit of the holidays in Victoria," said J.P. Cadeau, president of event sponsor Revera Canada, in a release Friday.
"I got to see firsthand the enthusiasm, imagination and hard work the residents and employees of our retirement living homes have put into this year’s amazing creations," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.