Builders' Bash goes virtual to make a real difference for Habitat

The Builders' Bash has become a staple fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area and on this, the fifth year of the event, COVID-19 has changed the way it will look.

“We didn’t want to cancel our annual Builders’ Bash, but we also knew it had to be re-imagined in light of the pandemic. We decided to put together a virtual event where supporters, from the safety of their own home, can help a Sault Ste. Marie family get a safe and affordable place to call home,”  says Katie Blunt, executive director at Habitat.

The event takes place on Nov. 27, but preparations begin in the evening of Nov. 26 with the start of the 24-hour auction hosted on the Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area Facebook page. At 9 p.m., Habitat will post its auction items on its Facebook page.

Items valued at over $3,000 altogether have been donated by generous members of the community, including Soo Mill Buildall, Warlaw Fuels, Water Tower Inn, Odd Jobs Jack, Josh Pace Photography, Fit Bodies Fit Minds, Makwa’s Kitchen, Hogan’s Homestead, Station Mall, Country Way Health Food Store, OutSpoken Brewing, New North Greenhouse, Meat the Butcher, Jade Wellness Centre, Rainbow Feather Essentials, and Krystin Jacques.

The public can bid on the items in the comments, with the highest bid by 8:59:59 p.m. on Nov. 27 winning the item.

As in past years, Habitat supporters can also expect great food along with games and music, only this year they can expect to enjoy those from the comfort of their own homes.

This year, Big Lake Cabins will be getting involved and helping out with food.

Habitat supporters can purchase tickets for meal and drink kits prepared by Big Lake Cabin. Food and drink kits must be purchased at online before Nov. 22.

Meal kits contain four tacos with regular (chicken and beef) or vegetarian (spiced lentil) options. Drink kits have everything needed to make six two-ounce drinks – either old fashioned, margaritas, or sparkling raspberry mojitos.

The kits can be picked up at 765 Queen St. E. from 5 - 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27.

"We are proud to be a partner in this event with an organization that shares our desires to improve our community," says Jon Young, co-owner at Big Lake Cabin.

After supporters have picked up their kits, Builders' Bash participants can hop on the phone, tablet, computer, or another device to join the main events for Habitat’s Facebook Live Virtual Builders' Bash.

The Facebook Live event includes a meal kit tutorial from Big Lake Cabin, a chat with the Habitat team, special guests, and Habitat For Humanity Sault Ste. Marie's next homeowner, a pre-recorded Shane Chisholm concert made just for Habitat, and more!

"No ticket is required to participate in the Facebook Live Builders' Bash or the auction – but every event is better with tacos and margaritas," says Blunt, in a news release.

Habitat asks that you treat yourself to a Friday night-in to help support affordable homeownership in our community. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.habitatsault.ca.