Gauteng schools bake for children with cancer ahead of National Cupcake Day

With National Cupcake Day (NCD) set for September 27, two Gauteng schools, Bryanston High School in Johannesburg and Laerskool Doringkloof Primary in Tshwane, have stepped up to make this year’s event even sweeter by running the Bake Box campaign.

This initiative supports Cupcakes of Hope (CoH) volunteer bakers, known as the Cupcake Angels, by collecting essential baking ingredients such as flour, oil, cocoa powder, and sugar from learners, families, and the broader community.

The collected ingredients will be distributed to these volunteer bakers who dedicate their time and resources to bake cupcakes, which are then sold at 78 malls nationwide to raise funds for children fighting cancer.

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Laerskool Doringkloof principal Eloise van der Merwe shared the motivation behind their involvement.

“Two years ago, our grounds manager passed away from cancer, and that had a big impact on the staff. Most people have experience with a loved one with a cancer diagnosis, and to be able to practically assist kids with cancer, and their families, was something that we immediately wanted to do.”

Bryanston High School principal Jerome Lawrence echoed this sentiment, highlighting the far-reaching impact of cancer.

“Cancer is a disease that knows no gender, knows no race, knows no social or financial standing and has no age limits. Diagnosis with this dreaded disease has its obvious physical and emotional challenges, but over and above that, it can turn a patient’s financial world upside down.”

“The Bryanston High Family, staff, learners, and parents embrace the opportunity to be of any kind of assistance in helping patients.”

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In 2024, 27 malls across Johannesburg and Tshwane participated in National Cupcake Day, with over 800 bakers registered in the Vaal, Johannesburg, and Tshwane areas. This year, participation has grown, with 24 malls registered in Johannesburg and eight in Tshwane.

Cupcakes of Hope founder Sandy Cipriano expressed deep gratitude for the schools’ support.

“The Cupcake Angels pour not only their hearts and time into this cause, but also the money to purchase their ingredients, which, as we all know, are increasingly costly. We’re deeply grateful to these schools for their commitment to contribute.”

“Every donation received for a cupcake helps us support kids and their families on their cancer journeys, and to have children actively participating in this way truly warms our hearts.”

NCD remains the organisation’s most significant annual fundraiser. In 2024 alone, CoH fulfilled 2 568 financial support requests, delivered 3 022 activity care bags to over 21 paediatric oncology wards, and celebrated 111 patient birthdays, all thanks to funds raised from cupcake sales.

Schools interested in joining the Bake Box campaign can reach out via email at bake@cupcakesofhope.org.

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