JEFFREYS BAY – The annual National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer event held recently proved to be another resounding success, with 74 mall venues across the country raising a remarkable R2 million for Cupcakes of Hope.
At Fountains Mall in Jeffreys Bay, the local event sold out all available cupcakes, continuing the venue’s impressive track record since joining the initiative in 2012.
Janelle Stokker, Coordinator for the Fountains Mall event, said that they cannot give out financial figures for individual events, for safety and security reasons, but she could share that they sold out every cupcake and had nothing left by the end of the day.
She said that the Jeffreys Bay venue sold approximately 1,200 cupcakes during the day, with 20 Cupcake Angels participating in the baking, decorating and day-of assistance.
“Public response was wonderful, with many folks who had diarised the event after reading about it in the Kouga Express and on social media. Some people came back for seconds and thirds,” said Stokker.
She said that they have had approximately the same number of cupcakes available every year.
However, since they have several people interested in baking and decorating for next year’s event, they expect to have an even larger collection available in 2026.
“Thanks to the amazing support from Kouga residents, we have sold out every year,” said Stokker.
She further explained that there’s always a bittersweet aspect to the event, with organisers offering private support to visitors who become emotional after losing family members or friends to cancer.
Stokker said that some of the highlights of the event are meeting someone, especially a child, who has beaten cancer.
She said that the funds raised will continue Cupcakes of Hope’s vital work supporting families of children diagnosed with cancer.
“Funds raised go to assisting patients and their families with daily expenses, which include, amongst other things, nutritional supplements, medical equipment, prosthetics, travel costs, and care packages in the paediatric oncology wards,” said Stokker.
Furthermore, she said that local families in Kouga have directly benefited from this support, which includes both financial and emotional support.
“For many of the families, it is not just the financial support that they received but also the emotional support that helped carry them through the difficult times. Even when the worst happens and they lose a child, they are still positive about the support they received from Cupcakes of Hope,” said Stokker.
Looking ahead, she said that they would love to host a bigger event next year and they are also looking into holding a smaller event during the Christmas holidays, which is in the process of being finalised.
Stokker said that those interested in hosting a similar event at their workplace, school or church to help raise awareness and funds for Cupcakes of Hope can contact her at 083 983 7296.
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