South Africans will gather on September 26 to bake, sell and buy cupcakes in support of children with cancer and their families.

Cupcakes of Hope’s National Cupcake Day turns thousands of ordinary South Africans into ‘Cupcake Angels’, with volunteers, families, schools, businesses and community groups using cupcakes to raise funds for children and families facing the realities of childhood cancer.

The initiative was founded by Sandy Cipriano in 2012, after her own experience with childhood cancer inspired her to help other families facing similar challenges.

The impact of the organisation’s work can be traced back to one of its earliest fundraisers, when Cupcakes of Hope raised R5 000 for a baby who was paralysed by tumours on his spine, Northern Natal News reported. The money helped his family buy a special mattress and car seat for hospital journeys.

Doctors had not expected the child to see his second birthday, but he went on to celebrate his 18th birthday in October, serving as a reminder of the difference practical support can make to families facing childhood cancer.

Small start, far-reaching impact

What began as a single fundraiser has since grown into a national organisation that provides financial and emotional support to more than 140 patients each month.

“Cupcake Angels, volunteers, partners and supporters are the hands and hearts behind every miracle,” Cipriano said.

The money raised provides practical assistance to families, including help with medical expenses, transport, nutrition, wheelchairs and prosthetics.

Cupcakes of Hope also supports children during hospital stays through care and educational activity bags and assists paediatric oncology wards across the country.

The organisation’s practical support extends to initiatives such as its Bags of Hope, which provide newly diagnosed children and their caregivers with essentials for an unexpected hospital admission, Northglen News reported. The bags include items such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks, snacks and activities to help children through lengthy hospital stays.

The support also extends to parents and caregivers, recognising the emotional and practical strain of spending long periods in hospital with a sick child. Earlier this year, Cupcakes of Hope called for donations to put together gift packs for 620 ‘Warrior mums’ who were expected to spend Mother’s Day in hospital caring for their children, South Coast Sun reported.

The packs were intended as a small reminder to mothers that they, too, are seen, appreciated and supported.

KZN co-ordinator Margaret Shaw said children undergoing cancer treatment can spend months and, in some cases, up to a year, in and out of hospital, making practical and emotional support particularly important.

“Every contribution makes a difference,” Shaw said.

Personal commitment drives campaign

For National Cupcake Day co-ordinator Letisha Pretorius, the campaign has become a deeply personal family tradition.

Pretorius became involved in 2019 after a friend’s nine-year-old child was diagnosed with cancer. What she initially expected to be a day of helping to bake cupcakes quickly became something much more meaningful.

That year, her friends and family baked 1 000 cupcakes, while also making fondant toppers, decorating and packing the treats, Kempton Express reported.

“Every year, my children also get involved on the day, helping me sell the cupcakes and be part of this wonderful cause,” said Pretorius. “It has become a family tradition that is very close to my heart.

“For me, National Cupcake Day is not just about cupcakes; it is about community, compassion, hope and making a difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer.”

Community kindness fuels national drive

The campaign has grown into a nationwide grassroots movement, with people able to participate by baking cupcakes, sponsoring cupcakes, hosting fundraisers or simply buying cupcakes on National Cupcake Day.

The campaign is already inspiring community partnerships. In July, the Everyday Kindness Charity Foundation teamed up with Panarottis Clearwater to raise funds and awareness, with volunteers serving as waiters and the restaurant donating 10% of the evening’s turnover to Cupcakes of Hope, Roodepoort Record reported.

The fundraising evening also helped promote National Cupcake Day, with Cupcakes of Hope encouraging the public to get involved in ways beyond simply donating money. “Even one cupcake can make a world of difference to a child living with cancer,” Cupcakes of Hope representative Jacqueline Govender told Roodepoort Record.

In 2024, Cupcakes of Hope reported that 1 992 registered bakers baked 114 291 cupcakes and raised R2.3m through the campaign.

The organisation also reported that more than 10 000 financial requests had been supported over the past decade, while thousands of children have received hospital care and activity bags.

The campaign aims to build on that support this year as more South Africans are encouraged to become Cupcake Angels.

“Whether you bake 12 cupcakes or sponsor 120, every contribution becomes part of a much bigger mission of bringing practical support and hope to children with cancer,” said Pretorius.

People wanting to participate can register through the Cupcakes of Hope website or contact Letisha Pretorius on 082 750 9974 for more information.

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