The 10th annual Boys and Girls Club Gingerbread Village opened last Sunday at Crown Isle Resort.
Attended by sponsors and participants of all ages, the gala included food, a festive atmosphere, and beautiful music by local singer-songwriter Joey Clarkson. Those in attendance had the first opportunity to see this year’s fabulous gingerbread creations and specially adorned teddy bears. Entries were judged and ribbons presented to the winners during the festivities.
Three Little Pigs by Bruce and Wendy Calder tied for first with Penguinville by Brent Dillon and Jade Cohen.
The top children’s entry was Candy Castle by Brooklyn Elementary and the best bear was Ballerina Bear by the Smart Foundation.
For pictures of this year's display, search Boys & Girls Club Gingerbread Village on Facebook.
The Gingerbread Village is a long time holiday tradition for many in the Comox Valley, a great way to get in the spirit of the season! Creations made of gingerbread, icing and candy (among some other very creative materials!) include traditional houses, a long house, entire villages, even a replica of the gazebo at Crown Isle.
Each item is laboriously assembled, decorated and refined and donated to the Boys and Girls Club for the public to view and bid upon through silent auction.
Successful bidders take possession on Dec. 18, plenty of time to display to decorate their homes or offices for the holidays. Also available for bidding are beautiful teddy bears which have been dressed up in creative ways, most of which hold valuable gift certificates and accessories — making them fabulous gifts for those hard to buy for people on your list.
Proceeds from this event directly support children’s programming in the Comox Valley. This Boys and Girls Club event represents 25 per cent of the club’s annual fundraising revenue.
The funds are used to enhance programs for children with nutritional food, transportation and field trips and exciting opportunities for learning. The Boys and Girls Club offers programs for children and parents following the core values of inclusion and opportunity, respect and belonging, empowerment, collaboration, and speaking out.
Children engage in fun activities while developing skills in communication, leadership and learn to make healthy lifestyle choices in a variety of programs provided by trained staff and volunteers.
A focus on 21st century skill development equips participants with skills that promote collaboration and decision making and provide tools for success in life.
To visit the village, drop in to the lobby of Crown Isle Resort any time, though it is requested that groups phone ahead to the Boys and Girls Club to book a tour. For information about the Gingerbread Village or Boys and Girls Club programs and services, please phone 250-338-7582.
— Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island