VIDEO: Flurry of angels descend on mall to help little cancer patients

A section of East Rand Mall was transformed into a hive of activity on National Cupcake Day (September 28), as dozens of Cupcakes for Hope volunteers sold cupcakes to raise funds for children with cancer.

This annual event, organised by Cupcakes for Hope and initiated more than a decade ago, took place at various malls nationwide on the same day.

This year, the Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer raised R2.3m countrywide, surpassing the previous year’s achievement of R2.2m.

At East Rand Mall, 50 volunteers, affectionately known as Cupcake Angels, participated in baking and selling cupcakes, with scores of individuals and organisations arriving to drop off large quantities, while shoppers made generous purchases.

One group of donors arrived 3 000 cupcakes.

Success

Reflecting on the success of the Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer event in Boksburg, Cupcakes for Hope’s Dawn Tiplady, who was in charge of the East Rand Mall Cupcake Angels, said the 11 000 cupcakes that were donated to the cause far exceeded their expectations.

“The sales were fantastic. Cupcakes were simply flying off the tables. The outpouring of support overwhelmed us,” she said.

Teams of angels roved through the crowds in the mall and at the end of the day, over 11 000 donated cupcakes were sold at the East Rand Mall alone, and raised a substantial amount of money.

Beneficiaries

According to Dawn, the proceeds support hundreds of children living with cancer every month, around the country.

“Their parents cannot afford their medical bills or other essentials, so we support these children with medical expenses, hospitalisation costs and other essentials.

“We also treat the little ones on special days, like Christmas and birthdays.”

She acknowledged the invaluable support Cupcakes for Hope’s fundraising initiatives receive from key partners, including the East Rand Mall, which has hosted the event over the years.

“We are grateful to everyone who bought cupcakes and the bakers, volunteers, companies and stores that supported us.

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“Mugg & Bean has come on board in such a big way and looked after our volunteers. In addition, R2 from the sale of each Mugg & Bean Muggles muffin in September goes to Cupcakes for Hope.

“I also thank Caxton Local Media newspapers because if not for newspaper articles and the event’s coverage, we would not have had the community support.”

For more information to support Cupcakes for Hope’s initiatives, email lori@cupcakesof hope.org or contact her on 078 139 4930.

Angels share their stories

• The 21-year-old Olympian Lythe Pillay of Benoni was among the Cupcake Angels in action at the mall.
Lythe, who was part of the roving team of cupcake sellers, said: “Part of what encouraged me to show support is a lot of the volunteers were my former primary school teachers.
“Cancer has also affected people close to me, so it is close to home for me. It is a big honour for me and I encourage everyone to support the initiative in whatever way they can. Just share the love.”

• Tiffany Harris of Witfield, a graphic design student with a side hustle in baking, said: “I joined Cupcakes for Hope because I feel this is a good initiative. A close family friend of ours was diagnosed with cancer last year, and I feel this is my way of giving back.
“It also helped me to learn more about childhood cancer and understand what different families are going through. This is a great way to create more awareness and more knowledge and understanding about cancer. I encourage my peers to join this good initiative because it is the sweetest way to save a life.”

• Grade 12 learner Samantha Moagi said she rolled up her sleeves and took on the fight against cancer after she learned about the plight of some families battling to support their children in the fight against the disease.
She even ditched her matric dance, opting to help save a life with the money she had intended to spend on her special event.
“I decided that instead of wasting R1 300 on a few hours at a fancy dance at a venue, I’ would rather donate the money to children who desperately need the money to survive.
“My aunt passed away from oesophagus cancer. I feel I am honouring her by taking part in this initiative.”

• Angel Shakti Neerachand said: “I decided to join Cupcakes for Hope because my grandfather died of cancer and most of the people in my family have been supporting this initiative for a long time.
“I think this is one of the best ways to spread good in the world. I feel good that I am also helping families that lack resources and information on cancer.”

• Long-time volunteer Angel Gill Engelbrecht (78) of Benoni said her involvement fills her with happiness and encourages others to join the cause.
“Everybody knows somebody affected by cancer and this is our little way of giving back to people in need.
“It is a good feeling to help, especially children.”

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