Northumberland County residents can help build futures for those in need of affordable housing in the community and satisfy their sugar cravings at the same time.
Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is teaming up with Roda’s Kitchen in Cobourg for a Thanksgiving-related fundraiser.
The bakery is offering boxes of five cookies decorated with a harvest theme, which are now available for purchase through to early October.
Cathy Borowec, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland CEO, told kawarthaNOW the partnership with Roda’s Kitchen has become a sweet, annual initiative that supports Habitat for Humanity Northumberland’s local build programs.
The duo first teamed up in May 2021 for Mother’s Day-themed cookie boxes.
“In 2022, we switched it up to offer Thanksgiving cookies as we felt that holiday aligned well with the idea of gathering together in a home,” Borowec said.
The fundraiser is important for Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, even more so with the current shortage of affordable housing and the rising costs of construction materials.
“As we strive to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in our community, we look to find ways to raise funds to support our work. Sometimes our efforts are directed to large-scale community drives and sometimes to smaller events,” she noted.
As with all of its fundraising activities, the money from the cookie sales supports Habitat for Humanity Northumberland’s housing programs, namely home construction and home repairs.
“As we work to finish up our seven-unit net-zero townhome project in Baltimore, funds raised from these beautiful — and delicious — cookies will be directed there,” Borowec said.
Located at 4751 Highway 45, the Baltimore site encompasses affordable units intended to provide “hope for families.” Habitat for Humanity Northumberland acquired the land in the spring of 2022 and has since been working on development plans and construction for the unique site.
Not only is it the largest single development project for Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, it is also the first time the organization is pursuing a net-zero development. It’s a lofty undertaking, the CEO noted.
“The cost of building materials for a home has risen so much that we count on support from our community more than ever. This fundraiser has typically raised about $2,000 to $3,000, and we really like that it helps us to connect with our community in a different way,” Borowec added.
The boxes of harvest cookies are $20 each. Orders will be accepted until Friday, October 4 and ready for pick-up the following week, on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12, in time for Thanksgiving.
Those interested in purchasing cookies can place their order and pay by cash at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Cobourg, which is located at 764 Division St. Boxes of cookies can also be ordered online at trellis.org/2024-thanksgiving-cookies.
