On 28 September 2024, the much-anticipated National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer will be taking place at 70 malls around the country. 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 the 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,” says Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes of Hope. “My husband and I started to raise funds for children with cancer when a friend lost her 3-year-old to cancer. In 2012, we registered the non-profit Cupcakes of Hope. Since then, via the community-driven National Cupcake Days, over R10 million 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 partnership is a continued strength of support for us, helping with several care and support packs for our little ones and parents,” says Anina Meiring, CANSA Service Manager: Childhood Cancer.
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.
One of the longest-serving volunteers is Elri Mienie, who co-ordinates the Western Cape malls. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago,” says Mienie. “During treatment, I realized how bad the experience would be for a child. I then decided that I would like to give back in some way. When a friend saw that CoH were looking for volunteers to help at Canal Walk on National Cupcake Day, I contacted them immediately. The bug bit me, and 12 years later, it is still so wonderful to see children’s faces when we provide them with something. I am privileged to make my small contribution to be able to make a difference.”
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,” says 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 R5 million 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.
“God truly has blessed our cause with the most amazing volunteers in the world!” says Cipriano. “Thousands of bakers and volunteers give their time, ingredients, love and passion all year, every year. There is honestly nothing sweeter to me than seeing the excitement and joy that everyone shows on our biggest day of the year – National Cupcake Day. From the feedback that we get from the general public, they enjoy it too!”
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.
Cupcakes of Hope
Established in 2012 by a former Vereeniging business woman Sandy Cipriano, Cupcakes of Hope (COH) is a Non-Profit Company (NPC 2012/103028/08) and a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO930053726) dedicated to supporting children with cancer in South Africa. Through diverse initiatives and the Cupcake Angels’ (bakers) tireless efforts, COH provides financial and emotional support to children and their families. Operating nationally, most beneficiaries are referred via social workers and doctors and since inception, 10 000 children and families have been assisted. In 2024, COH was nominated at the CSI Legacy Awards as one of the top three finalists for the Rising NGO of the year. They have also achieved numerous Guinness World Records to raise awareness for childhood cancer such as creating the world’s Tallest Tower of Cupcakes (10.7m) and the BIGGEST Cupcake Mosaic in the World. In celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centennial birthday, they also crafted a 3m Tall Mandela Cake at Sandton City. https://cupcakesofhope.org/
