Cupcakes of Hope is calling on thousands of volunteer bakers to take part in National Cupcake Day on Saturday, 26 September, at more than 80 shopping centres nationwide. Volunteers are asked to register, choose a participating shopping centre, and bake just 24 cupcakes, which will be sold to raise funds for children with cancer and their families.

Cupcakes of Hope is a non-profit company and a public benefit organisation dedicated to supporting children with cancer in South Africa. The organisation was started in 2012, and it launched its flagship National Cupcake Day in the same year to support children fighting cancer.

Founder and director of Cupcakes of Hope Sandy Cipriano said the organisation was inspired by the experience of a close friend’s young daughter, Chiara, who was diagnosed with cancer and later died. 

“Seeing what this little precious girl went through, God just put such a big dream in my heart to help children who are facing this big, big giant of cancer.

“We can’t all do great things, but we can do little things with great love, and that is what Cupcakes of Hope is all about.

“We’re spreading cupcake love, God’s love, all across the country in September. When a family gets diagnosed with a child with cancer, in most cases, one of the parents needs to stop working, so that literally cuts their income, and that’s when we step in.”

Transport money has become one of the biggest issues. “In some cases, our patients need to travel two to three hours just to get to hospitals. It’s not just about helping the families financially.”

They also have an outreach programme, delivering hospital care bags to children in paediatric oncology wards across South Africa.

“Often when people hear ‘childhood cancer’, they just see the sad part, and it is a difficult journey. But throughout the years, I’ve seen so many miracles happen.

“What I’ve learned through the years is that Cupcakes of Hope has also become such a significant part of our volunteers’ journey, because in many cases, our volunteers have lost loved ones.”

What started as a small fundraiser at a restaurant has grown into a national initiative that has assisted more than 10,000 families over the years. Cupcakes of Hope currently assists about 140 children every month, with more than 200 receiving financial assistance in July alone.

Those wanting to become Cupcake Angels can visit cupcakesofhope.org, choose their nearest participating mall, and pledge 24 cupcakes.

People who are unable to bake can still support the initiative by visiting participating shopping centres on National Cupcake Day and making a donation in exchange for cupcakes. Schools, churches and businesses are also encouraged to organise pop-up fundraisers.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

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