Cupcakes of Hope (CoH), a non-profit company that supports children with cancer, is preparing to host one of their biggest fundraising and awareness events, National Cupcake Day (NCD).

This day is celebrated annually on September 27, and this year marks the 13th event and is set to take place at 79 malls nationally, where the community members can buy home-baked cupcakes for a donation price of R10-R20, with proceeds going towards supporting children with cancer.

In 2024, almost 2 000 volunteer bakers who are known as Cupcake Angels took part, with 114 291 cupcakes pledged online, and 74 malls making space available for sales. This helped the organisation raise an amount of over R2m.

The bakers are described by CoH founder, Sandy Cipriano, as the backbone of the organisation, highlighting their contribution of time, energy, and even personal funds to make the day a success.

Dr Natasché Daniels, who is a patron at CoH, was diagnosed with cancer at 15 years, and she encourages the community to support the campaign. She emphasises that small actions, such as baking or purchasing cupcakes, can make a big difference in the lives of children who are battling cancer.

NCD project manager Elri Mienie joined the organisation in 2012 after surviving breast cancer, and she has since been active as a cupcake Angel. She also gets to experience the impact the organisation is making on people’s lives, as a part of her job role involves hospital visits where she delivers care bags and celebrates special milestones like birthdays with the patients.

Elri speaks about how this campaign is close to her heart and highlights the generosity of South Africans during last year’s event, despite the many financial pressures that many people were facing. In 2024, CoH fulfilled 2 568 financial support requests, delivered 3 022 activity care bags to over 21 paediatric oncology wards, and celebrated 111 patient birthdays, according to Sandy.

For those who can’t attend the NCD at the malls, CoH has partnered with Mugg & Bean for 13 years, and a new range of cupcakes will be available, featuring flavours like Passion Fruit, Peanut Butter Caramel, and the Muggles Cupcake this year. For every cupcake sold, R2 will be donated to CoH, making it easy for people to support the cause while enjoying a cupcake.

If you’re a baker who wants to make a difference, registration is now open. You can find more information on the CoH website at https://cupcakesofhope.org/. By participating, you’ll be helping to bring joy and support to children fighting cancer.