Changing lives one cupcake at a time

Changing and touching lives one cupcake at a time is what National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer is all about. On 27 September, over 55 malls across South Africa were abuzz as people brought in cupcakes to help celebrate National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer. Cupcake bakers and cupcake eaters alike were enthusiastic as they rallied together for a common cause, raising over a million rand for children struggling with cancer.

The event started in 2012 and with the first attempted R500 000 was raised. Last year’s National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer was held at 45 venues across the country and R 1 121 352.80 was raised. Again this year another success of the event, raised R1.2 million. This project has helped over 250 children and donations were made to 15 different charities, including Cansa and The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust.

This year saw more than 2 000 bakers and 1 100 volunteers gathering for the day. The money raised will make a huge difference in the lives of the families of this year’s Cupcakes for Kids with Cancer charity beneficiaries. The cupcake leftovers from the events at the malls were donated to hospitals, orphanages, charities and old age homes in the surrounding communities.

Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes 4 kids with cancer said: “Not only does the organisation offer support, but it also creates awareness of childhood cancer and educates people on the early signs thereof. “Knowing the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer is invaluable for early detection of cancer in children,” she said. Knowing what to look for, can save a child’s life.

“The highlight of my day was seeing that so many cupcakes angels came together to create awareness for childhood cancer. Meeting the new volunteers and cupcake angels was also awesome. This is by far the sweetest way to save a life,” said Cipriano.

Cipriano also thanked everyone who made this charitable occasion a success, as it would never have been possible if it weren’t for the volunteers, bakers, sponsors and coordinators. She hopes a cure for cancer is found in 2015. For information on how to get involved with Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer, visit www.cupcakesofhope.org