Local businesses are set to raise money for homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing by creating a charming display of gingerbread buildings – and there is still time to sign up to take part.
Gingerbread Street is the charity’s annual Christmas fundraiser and the headline sponsor for the second year running is national partnership housing specialist Lovell.
Businesses are being invited to buy a small, medium, or large plot on Gingerbread Street and construct a gingerbread building that will go on display over the Christmas period at the independent art gallery The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The closing date to enter is Friday 21 November, and judging will take place on Tuesday 2 December.
Sophie Barker, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Oasis Community Housing, said: “Gingerbread Street is such a fun festive competition — with local businesses baking and building a tiny community, to raise vital funds for people facing homelessness in our community this Christmas.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Lovell for championing this event once again. Their continued support is helping Gingerbread Street grow and, most importantly, change lives.”
Gingerbread Street judges this year will be Phil Jones, Director of Land and Partnerships for Lovell in the North East, broadcaster Steph McGovern, Roisin Currie, Chief Executive at Greggs, and architect Grace Choi who is Co-Chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects North East and Director at Grace Choi Architecture.
Oasis Community Housing, which was set up in 1984, works to prevent homelessness and support people facing homelessness in the North East and London. Lovell has been a sponsor partner since March 2023, supporting the charity with fundraising and practical help.
Phil said: “Gingerbread Street is a delightful way to raise funds for this vital charity. Having been a judge for the event last year I can say that the gingerbread buildings created a wonderfully festive display and it was a pleasure to be part of it.
“We at Lovell are committed to supporting Oasis Community Housing because we know how important a safe and secure home is and this charity’s work is truly life changing.”
A small plot on Gingerbread Street costs £500, a medium plot £750, and a large plot £1,000. Entry cost includes a pre-cut board on which to construct your building and tickets for your team to attend the judging event. Gingerbread Street will go on display from Wednesday 3 December 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026.
To take part, visit the Oasis Community Housing Gingerbread Street entry form page.
Gingerbread Street is part of the charity’s Giving a Home appeal which runs until 31 December.
As part of the appeal, Oasis Community Housing is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge from December 2 to 9, which means that donations to the charity given through the Big Give campaign in that period will be doubled. Big Give brings together larger donors, foundations and businesses to match what the public donate to charities taking part. Oasis Community Housing is aiming to raise £100,000 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
CAPTION
- 2024’s Gingerbread Street judging, from left, Phil Jones, Director of Land and Partnerships for Lovell in the North East, architect and TV presenter George Clarke, and Roisin Currie, CEO at Greggs PLC.
