This annual event has taken place since 2012 to raise funds for Cupcakes of Hope – an NPC and PBO that supplies assistance and support to families and children who are diagnosed with cancer. Around 2 500 bakers are expected to participate this year.
“We have assisted more than 10 000 patients over the past 10 years,” said Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes of Hope.
“My husband and I started to raise funds for children with cancer when a friend lost her three-year-old to cancer. In 2012, we registered the non-profit Cupcakes of Hope. Since then, via the community-driven National Cupcake Days, over R10m has been raised to provide for hundreds of young cancer patients and their families every month.
“This includes covering their medical bills and other essential needs, from nappies to nutrition and everything in between.”
Oncologists, hospitals, social workers and hospices all contact Cupcakes of Hope with requests to assist. They also assist with requests from the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa)’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme that focuses on supporting the parents and caregivers of young cancer patients.
The Cupcake Angels (volunteer bakers) are the foundation that supports everything that is done via the NPO.
Located around the country, they make and sell cupcakes and donate the funds to Cupcakes of Hope.
Mugg & Bean have been partners since the very first year that Cupcakes of Hope was registered as an NPO.
“Initially they were selling cupcakes in September and funds were donated to our cause,” said Cipriano.
“Now they sell the Muggles Muffin in September and R2 from each muffin gets donated to our cause. But it does not stop there, during the whole year if you buy any Giant Muffin, they will donate R1 to us. They have already donated more than R5m to our cause over the years. The malls provide their space to us free of charge for National Cupcake Day, so we consider them valued partners too.”
Since 2020, the number of patients supported has quadrupled. In July 2024, over 220 young cancer patients received financial assistance, with the youngest being only 10 months old.
Registration to bake and participate in National Cupcake Day 4 Children with Cancer, is now open. People can also participate by buying cupcakes on the day at their favourite mall. Visit https://cupcakesofhope.org/cupcake-day-registration for more information or to register.
Participating malls close to you are The Glen Shopping Centre, Lemon Tree and Mall of the South.
