44th annual Gingerbread House is open at the Valley Mall in Corner Brook

Jane Ash is with the Salvation Army Community Family Services. She says last year the Salvation Army gave out 353 toy hampers to families in the Corner Brook and Bay of Islands area.

The 44th annual Gingerbread House has officially opened at the Valley Mall in Corner Brook. This morning’s guests and onlookers were treated to an opening tune of “Jingle Bells” by the grade five choir at Eastside Elementary. More than 107,000 girts have been placed under the tree as a result of this partnership between the mall and the Salvation Army. Tammy Joyce is the Property Manager at the Valley Mall. She says this event is always the kick off to the holiday season. 

Corner Brook MHA Jim Parsons says Christmas is about community. Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce says putting a smile on a child’s face is the best present ever.

Corner Brook Mayor Linda Chaisson says the opening of the Gingerbread House has always been one of her favorite events and she’s attended all of them so far. Jane Ash is with the Salvation Army Community Family Services. She says the Gingerbread House represents care, love, the outpouring of generosity from people who place toys inside. Ash says last year the Salvation Army gave out 353 toy hampers to families in the Corner Brook and Bay of Islands area. She says they expect the need is greater this year with increases in the cost of living.