The Cupcakes of Hope initiative is set to provide a sweet touch to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month as it hosts its National Cupcake Day nationwide on Saturday, 27 September.
The event will take place in 77 malls across the country, including Durban’s Cornubia Mall and La Lucia Mall.
Sindhera Avikaar, who will coordinate proceedings at Cornubia Mall, said they hope to surpass the R2.3 million raised last year—a goal that can only be achieved with public involvement.
“The funds we raise are used for our little cancer patients’ day-to-day needs, which can be anything from money for transport to and from hospital, or food hampers, to helping with funds for a prosthesis or medical equipment. Sadly, in some cases, we even help with funeral expenses,” Avikaar explained.
“Unfortunately, we are currently getting so many new patients registering with us monthly, as cases of childhood cancer and the lack of funds for families are rising. Yet this inspires us even more to bake a difference.”
Avikaar said last year’s funds provided 3,022 activity packs delivered to children in oncology wards, financial assistance for 2,568 children with life-threatening diseases, and birthday spoils for 111 young cancer warriors.
“We also completed three room makeovers at Kimberley Hospital, the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Research Centre at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, and Alberton Netcare Hospital.”
Cheryl Samuels, a volunteer at La Lucia Mall, said the public can pledge 24, 48, or 96 cupcakes at a cost of R10 to R20 per cupcake.
“Alternatively, the public can show their support by visiting any of the participating malls on the day to purchase cupcakes and make a direct donation,” she added.
All proceeds will go directly towards supporting children with cancer and their families.
