Fort Erie pastry chef helps build real homes with gingerbread house sales
Published January 30, 2023 at 1:13 pm
This year, Fort Erie residents building a Christmas gingerbread house actually contributed $3,400 to help construct a real house for a family in need.
Back in November and December, French pastry chef Jayne Inouye, owner of Cravings by Jayne in the Crystal Beach neighbourhood of Fort Erie, donated 10 per cent of the proceeds from the sales of both gingerbread house kits and gingerbread men kits toward Habitat for Humanity Niagara.
However, this past Christmas season, she found a partner in Meridian Credit Union, who matched her sales dollar-for-dollar to raise that $3,400 total for the charity that builds house for the needy.
Inouye, who graduated from pastry arts school in France and opened her bakery in Crystal Beach in 2020, said she got involved with this initiative because of the need for affordable housing in the Niagara region.
“I want to make a difference in the community I love,” said Inouye. “Investing in your community is investing in yourself.”
For their part, Meridian Credit Union found it a tasty partnership for a great cause.
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“Meridian was honoured at the opportunity to support community organizations like Habitat for Humanity Niagara in partnership with local small businesses like Cravings By Jayne,” said Greg Bartman, Commercial Relationship Manager for the Meridian Credit Union.
“Jayne has an incredible work ethic as a small business owner, and a true commitment to her community.”
Inouye started her gingerbread charity during Christmas 2021 before Meridian became aware of the campaign, encouraging them to join in for Christmas 2022.
Jayne Inouye, owner of Cravings by Jayne in Fort Erie, is donated 10 per
cent of all proceeds from gingerbread house kits to Habitat for Humanity
Niagara. (Photo: Facebook)