Building homes, one gingerbread piece at a time

Habitat for Humanity Niagara knows that it takes more than a few sheets of drywall and some screws to build a house, but perhaps the non-profit should consider building with gingerbread after another successful fundraising campaign from Crystal Beach bakery, Cravings by Jayne.

In 2021, French pastry chef Jayne Inouye sold gingerbread house kits and donated part of the proceeds to Habitat Niagara. This past holiday season, she added gingerbread men kits to the equation and found a matching partner in Meridian Credit Union. This successful partnership helped to raise $3,400 for Habitat Niagara.

“Meridian was honoured at the opportunity to support community organizations like Habitat for Humanity Niagara in partnership with local small businesses like Cravings by Jayne,” said Greg Bartman, Commercial Relationship Manager for Meridian. “Jayne has an incredible work ethic as a small business owner, and a true commitment to her community.”

In the end, Cravings by Jayne sold over 350 gingerbread men decorating kits and 60 gingerbread house decorating kits, directly supporting Habitat Niagara’s home building program.

“Habitat Niagara couldn't build homes without the support and generosity of the community,” said Emily O’Connor, Manager, Resource Development for Habitat Niagara. “This fundraising initiative is a shining example of what can happen when people get together to support a worthwhile cause, and we can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us in 2023.”

Thanks to Jayne, the folks at Meridian and the community for supporting this initiative.

Additional Resources

Fort Erie pastry chef helps build real homes with gingerbread house sales, inNIAGARA REGION