JEFFREYS BAY – The Kouga community will once again rally behind children with cancer when National Cupcake Day returns to Fountains Mall in Jeffreys Bay on 26 September.

Kouga community backs cancer support drive

For children with cancer, getting to treatment can mean hours on the road, weeks in hospital and months away from home.

For families walking that journey, practical support from people they have never met can make all the difference. That is what National Cupcake Day is all about.

On 26 September, thousands of South Africans will once again become ‘Cupcake Angels’ by baking and sharing cupcakes to help children with cancer and their families.

National Cupcake Day will be celebrated at more than 80 shopping centres across the country, with schools, workplaces and communities also joining the movement.

Cupcake Angels bake to make a difference

Since 2012, Cupcakes of Hope has provided practical, emotional and financial support to families navigating childhood cancer.

Last year alone, the organisation supported more than 140 children every month, approved almost 2,000 requests for financial assistance and delivered 3,766 Hospital Care Bags to children in all 21 paediatric oncology wards across South Africa.

Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes of Hope, said, “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes instantly for the whole family.

“Parents suddenly find themselves travelling long distances for treatment, taking time away from work and facing expenses they never expected. We can’t take away a child’s diagnosis, but we can help ease some of the practical, emotional and financial pressures so families can focus on what matters most, their child. Every Cupcake Angel helps make that possible.”

Support helps families facing childhood cancer

General practitioner, childhood cancer survivor and Cupcakes of Hope patron, Dr Natasché Daniels, said practical support is an essential part of treatment.

“Cancer affects the whole family. When some of the practical pressures are lifted, parents can focus on supporting their child through treatment. Becoming a Cupcake Angel is a simple but meaningful way for South Africans to remind families they do not have to face childhood cancer alone,” said Daniels.

Last year, more than 2,400 Cupcake Angels helped raise over R2 million to support children with cancer and their families.

This year, Cupcakes of Hope hopes to welcome even more volunteer bakers as the need continues to grow.

Jeffreys Bay event builds community spirit

Jeffreys Bay is one of the original malls that has hosted this event since the beginning.

Coordinator Janelle Stokker tells how she got involved.

“I lost my father to cancer, so I know firsthand what families go through. When I then saw a post on Facebook advertising for people to get involved, I decided that, as a baker, this is something I can get involved with.

“The goal that year was that we had to have a minimum of 500 cupcakes pledged for the event. Within two weeks, I had close to 700 pledges, and we have just gone from strength to strength. I have bakers and volunteers from across the Kouga region pledging their time and love for this event. Last year we had close to 1,200 cupcakes available on the day, and this year it is no different.

Local volunteers prepare for another big turnout

She added, “It is heartwarming to see how our community rallies together to help those in need, from schools holding baking and decorating events with their learners, staff and parents; businesses donating ingredients and folk arriving on the day with their cupcakes. The support from the public is amazing; we cannot unpack the cupcakes fast enough, with many already waiting for us at opening time, eager to see what we have this year. We always have a wide variety of flavours available, and each cupcake is beautifully decorated.”

Stokker said the Cupcake Angel stall will be located in the Mr Price Home passage at Fountains Mall from 09:00 until the last cupcake has found a new home.

She said they are looking forward to meeting all those who visit their table on 26 September.

To become a Cupcake Angel, register online at www.cupcakesofhope.org, choose a participating shopping centre and pledge to bake just 24 cupcakes.

For those who are unable to bake for the event, they can still make a difference by supporting their local Cupcake Angel stall and sharing #BakeADifference with friends and family.

ALSO READ: Rhino Night Relay raises record R30,195 for rhinos