Supporting the Red Door Family Shelter

The Gingerbread Build for the City is KPMB’s annual fundraising initiative in support of the Red Door Family Shelter. Every year, we invite AEC firms from across the Greater Toronto Area to join us in building gingerbread structures for a good cause.

The Red Door Family Shelter provides emergency shelter and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse, families experience housing crises, and refugee claimants in need of instance. The shelter also offers counselling, life skills training, legal assistance, and other services.

In 2024, together we raised more than $5,600 in support of the Red Door Family Shelter.

2025: Game On!

For this year’s Gingerbread Build for the City, we’re turning gingerbread into game boards, controllers, avatars, and landscapes. Teams will design and build gingerbread structures inspired by iconic games — from retro arcade titles to modern video games, and classic tabletop favourites.

Key details

Team size: Teams should be composed of 3 to 5 people. Participating firms can register multiple teams.

Registration: Registration can be completed by filling out this form or by emailing Angela Gou.

Donation: Participation requires a $200 donation to the Red Door Family Shelter. Donations should be made here.

Materials: Pre-baked gingerbread panels, royal icing, fondant, food colouring, and edible glitter will be supplied to all teams. Teams can supply their own specialty candies for customization. Props and adhesive aids (including hot glue) are allowed but should be kept to a minimum.

Submission: Send up to four photos, a title, and a description (200 characters max) of your build to Angela Gou by 2 PM on December 4.

Judging

On December 4, we’ll gather all structures at KPMB to celebrate your efforts — and for judging!

Structures should be structurally inventive and architecturally imaginative. This year’s judging categories are: (1) Most Playful Design, (2) Best Structural Integrity, (3) Best Game Integration, and (4) People’s Choice.

*Bonus points will be awarded for builds that can be “played” in some way.

Key dates

November 7 – Registration deadline

Registration can be completed by filling out this form or by emailing Angela Gou.

November 18 – Gingerbread kit delivery

Pre-baked gingerbread panels, royal icing, fondant, food colouring, and edible glitter will be delivered to all participating teams.

December 4 – Build deadline & Gingerbread Social

2 PM – Submit all required materials (build photos, a title, and a description) to Angela Gou.

3 PM – Deliver your physical model to KPMB (351 King St E Suite 1200)

5-7 PM – Join us for an in-person celebration at KPMB (351 King St E Suite 1200)

December 4 -11 – Online public voting

Online public voting at gingerbread.kpmb.com will determine the People’s Choice Award!

Have questions about this year’s competition? Contact Angela Gou.