The Kitchen In the Park Project, (KIPP) is fundraising through events that engage the community and teach cooking skills at Elora’s Bissell Park.
The idea for KIPP came when Staci Barron, co-founder of KIPP and owner of Elora Pottery, had a kiln that was unusable. Through unique fundraisers like sewing circles, collecting scrap metal, community breakfasts and concerts, KIPP was able to repurpose the old kiln into a fully functional wood-fired oven.
Since the oven was built in 2011, KIPP has helped mix, knead and shape the community with its baking projects.
“We basically kind of create community around baking together,” said Staci Barron, co-founder of KIPP Elora. “We're raising money for KIPP because we have ongoing costs… But we are doing that through baking, together with whoever wants to volunteer.”
In the past, KIPP has worked with community members and helped enrich the lives of participants by giving people a space to meet and learn new skills. Barron said she often recommends participating in KIPP to new community members while they’re checking out her pottery store.
“(People are) rolling out dough and sprinkling them with sugars and icing and stuff together, and it's a non-threatening environment. You don't need to have any experience, because we'll teach you whatever you need to know,” Barron said.
This year, KIPP is doing summer bakes where supporters can purchase treats like cinnamon rolls and pizzas from its wood-oven. Barron said the participants are fully vaccinated, and the outdoor space in Bissell Park allows them to safely follow public health guidelines.
The money raised from KIPP’s summer bakes go toward keeping the project going, and general upkeep of food processing equipment. Barron said the cost of things like WSIB insurance, a new fridge and mixer add up for the nonprofit.
“The thing doesn't run itself, and it requires people and money in order to keep it going,” Barron said. “Nobody's going on a vacation, and nobody is paid… It's a volunteer-run organization.”
In the past, KIPP has worked with community service providers like Portage Elora. But Barron said community members are encouraged to get out and enjoy the simple joy of baking for others.
“What's nice about our organization is that it's not an eternal commitment,” Barron said. “If people want to pitch in they email and say hey, I'd like to help out this weekend, can I, that's great,” Barron said.
Barron said the next community bake will take place this Saturday from 6 p.m. until supplies run out. KIPP will be serving two types of pizzas – vegetarian and meat. The pizzas will be made using locally sourced ingredients from the region.
Barron said the best way to get involved with KIPP is to contact the organization through the website and to keep their eyes on KIPP Elora’s Facebook page to learn more about when the bakes are happening.
“It's generally timed with the farmers market,” Barron said. “Sometimes we do evening bakes but generally it's in the morning. And so it's just a nice way for people to, you know, connect and bake outside.”
To keep an eye on KIPP events, visit KIPPelora.com.
