On September 28 the highly anticipated National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer will take place at 76 malls around the country, with Fountains Mall in Jeffreys Bay being the local venue.
Every year National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer brings people together to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer, with 2 500 bakers expected to participate this year.
Since 2012, this beloved event has raised vital funds for Cupcakes of Hope, a dedicated Non-Profit Company and Public Benefit Organisation.
Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes of Hope said, “We have assisted more than 10 000 patients over the past 10 years.
Cupcakes of Hope is proud to work closely with a range of healthcare professionals and organisations to provide comprehensive support to children with cancer and their families.
These partners include oncologists and hospitals, social workers and hospices, as well as the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
In addition, Cupcakes of Hope is honoured to assist with requests from CANSA’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme, which focuses on providing vital support to the parents and caregivers of young cancer patients.
“The partnership is a continued strength of support for us, helping with several care and support packs for our little ones and parents,” said Anina Meiring, CANSA Service Manager: Childhood Cancer.
The backbone of Cupcakes of Hope’s success, however, lies in its devoted team of volunteer bakers, affectionately known as the “Cupcake Angels”.
Spread across the country, these selfless individuals generously donate their time and talents to bake and sell cupcakes, with all proceeds going directly to support the organisation.
Through their tireless efforts, the Cupcake Angels provide the vital funds that enable Cupcakes of Hope to continue its life-changing work, bringing comfort, joy, and support to children with cancer and their families.
Janelle Stokker, regional co-ordinator of Cupcakes of Hope, reflected on the success of their 2023 Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer event at Fountains Mall, where 1 200 cupcakes were sold.
This year, she hopes to match or exceed that achievement.
Stokker said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Jeffreys Bay community during last year’s Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer event.
“The community really came together to help us reach our fundraising goal,” said Stokker.
She further said heart-warming acts of kindness abounded, with some individuals dropping off cupcakes unexpectedly, while others made generous purchases and distributed them to local old age homes.
Stokker said one particularly touching gesture saw a donor buy a large quantity of cupcakes and hand them out to shoppers in the mall.
“The Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer is truly a special event,” said Stokker.
She further said the national event also saw significant success last year, with 72 malls participating, and raising a staggering R2 million.
With four additional malls joining the cause this year, bringing the total to 76, Cupcakes of Hope is poised for another impressive fundraising campaign.
Elaborating on Cupcakes of Hope’s impact, Stokker said that a heart-warming testament is the story of a local young boy who was diagnosed with leukaemia seven years ago.
She said the boy’s illness forced him to withdraw from school, and his mother selflessly left her job to care for him full-time.
Stokker said that during this challenging time, Cupcakes of Hope provided a vital lifeline, offering financial assistance to help the family navigate the emotional and economic strain of his treatment.
“The number of kids we have been able to help through this fundraising initiative has been inspirational,” said Stokker.
To further support many more young cancer patients, the Cupcakes of Hope cupcake table will be stationed at the walkway between Mr Price Home and Slater’s Toy Magic at Fountains Mall on September 28 from 09:00 to 14:00.
Cupcakes cost between R10 and R15 depending on the size and design.
Stokker said the event is community-driven and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about childhood cancer, while raising much-needed funding for the organisation.
In addition, she said the cupcake station offers a warm and welcoming space for people to connect and share their personal experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Stokker acknowledged the invaluable support of key partners, including Fountains Mall, which has hosted the event over the last 12 years, and Pick n Pay, whose ingredient donations have significantly reduced costs and enhanced the impact of Cupcakes of Hope’s fundraising initiatives.
For more information, to donate cupcakes or assist with selling on National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer, contact Janelle Stokker at 083 719 0598 or email jbaymom@gmail.com.
