ELORA – While the Kitchen in the Park Project (KIPP) received $35,000 from the Jack R. MacDonald fund to build a shade structure by the oven in Elora’s Bissell Park, it’s not quite enough to cover the cost.
So organizers are seeking donations to cover the balance – about $10,000.
“Its purpose is to protect our volunteers and baking process from the elements,” reads a message from the organization.
“We are going to be so happy to ditch the dumpy frumpy busted 10×10 tents we have been using for the last nine seasons. But we need some help to get this job completed.”
Staci Barron, the impetus behind KIPP, said in an interview that taxes and the cost of footings for the structure have pushed the cost above the original estimate.
“Shelter is important, and we need footings,” she said. “Some people have been leaning in to help. We hope that will continue.”
Barron said the idea behind the oven is to build a sense of community.
Food is prepared and cooked in the oven on alternating Saturdays through the summer and sold at a price that covers the basic cost. Labour is provided by a team of volunteers. They’ve done pizza, bagels, tacos and cinnamon buns so far this year.
“It’s a vehicle for people to meet and connect over food,” Barron said.
And over its 10 years in operation, it has become a popular feature in the park.
The shade structure will be welcome shelter from the weather for bakers and diners alike. It can also be used by park-goers when the oven is not in use.
A bake schedule and other details can be found at the KIPP website, www.kippelora.com. To make a donation email kippelora@gmail.com.
