A futuristic retirement community proved the public’s favourite in the 2021 Gingerbread Showcase.
The 13th annual Habitat for Humanity holiday event and fundraiser asked community members to construct entirely edible gingerbread creations in line with this year’s theme of The Future of Home.
Voted best by online and in-person viewers, Revera Living took home the People’s Choice Award with its creation, Revera Retirement 2050.
“We believe given the state of the world we all need to recognize the environmental impact of our actions and ensure that we do our part to eliminate the impact of climate change. Using this mentality we created a retirement community that was forward thinking and designed with sustainability in mind,” the Revera team wrote in its submission.
A panel of professional judges doled out the remaining awards.
Best First Impression went to Brenda Woods for The Last Thing, and Best Use of Skill and Technique went to Lloyd Gilmore for Home Evolving. The Revera Living team took home a second award for Best Interpretation of the Theme.
The award for Most Creative and Original piece went to Selena Oliveira for Your Choice, an impressive sculptural creation depicting mother earth.
“I was inspired to create Mother Earth in both a state of destruction and lush and healthy to show that we are on the precipice. Our actions today determine if there is a future of home,” Oliveira wrote in her description.
Lastly, the Most Diverse Use of Ingredients award went to Pamela, Elspeth and Carsten Rodger, Natalie and Mila Lampa, and Jen and Jonah Wilkins for their creation Rethink, Renew, Relax. It featured a Volkswagen van outfitted with solar panels and a wind turbine.
“We believed the future of homes may look a little different from what is traditionally considered a home today!” the multi-family team wrote.
Leading up to the judge’s decisions, viewers of the showcase were asked to donate to Habitat for Humanity alongside their vote. In total, the showcase raised $37,633.
“I am so grateful to all of the bakers, hosts, supporters and volunteers who helped us create another spectacular showcase for visitors to enjoy,” Yolanda Meijer, Habitat for Humanity Victoria CEO, said in a release.
All the 2021 entries can be viewed at habitatvictoria.com/gingerbread2021
