Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute Wins First Place in CMHC’s Charity Gingerbread House Competition for Habitat for Humanity

OTTAWA, November 16, 2007 — Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute’s unique gingerbread home design won the coveted first place in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) sixth-annual gingerbread house competition in support of Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region (NCR).

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute’s colourful creation won the top prize of $1,000 for its design based on student Judy Garden’s childhood home. A second place prize of $500 was awarded to Cakes by Tatiana, and third place went to Fairmont Chateau Laurier with a $250 prize.

“I’m pleased to congratulate the winners of this year’s gingerbread house competition for their enthusiastic support of this worthy cause,” said Pierre Poilievre, MP for Nepean – Carleton, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “However, the real winners today are the families helped by Habitat for Humanity in the National Capital area.”

More than 20 local businesses, bakeries and restaurants participated in the gingerbread house design competition, which was held at the Rideau Centre this morning. Awards for the best designed gingerbread homes were presented by a panel of judges, including Mark Salerno, CMHC Corporate Representative; Elizabeth Rock, President of Habitat for Humanity NCR; and Sheila Brady, Ottawa Citizen Homes Editor.

As well, local media teams competed against each other, and against the clock, in a separate gingerbread-build competition. Special commendations were awarded to: CJOH, the Ottawa Citizen, HOT 89.9, 106.9 The Bear, and A-Channel.

“Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region is proud to partner with CMHC again this year for another excellent community event,” said Rock. “Although there can only be one top winner, everyone is a winner in this event, especially the local families who will be helped by your generosity.”

The gingerbread homes will be on display at the Rideau Centre in the West Bay Bridge (near Grand & Toy) all weekend. Visitors are invited to tour the gingerbread village and bid on their favourite homes in a silent auction. All proceeds from the silent auction will go to Habitat for Humanity NCR to build new homes in the National Capital Region. CMHC is halfway to reaching its $10,000 fundraising goal thanks to the money already raised this morning.

Habitat for Humanity has built 31 homes in the National Capital Region over the past 14 years, and works in partnership with CMHC to help those in need. CMHC is proud to contribute toward the construction of new homes through this charity event.

CMHC has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

For further information please contact:

Kristen Scheel
Media Relations
CMHC
T: 613-748-4632
C: 613-513-6546

Kimberlie Montagner
Community Relations
Habitat for Humanity NCR
T: 613-749-9950 x225
C: 613-292-5032
reception@habitatncr.com