With International Childhood Cancer Day to be marked on Thursday 15 February, Cupcakes of Hope (CoH) aims to raise R500 000 to impact the lives of young cancer patients in need of financial assistance for their medical care significantly.
The organisation invites citizens to contribute to its goal of giving hope for a better future by hosting or supporting a Party of Hope. You can set up a mini pop-up cupcake sale at your workplace, your child’s school, during play dates or even weekend gatherings with friends.
The Party of Hope concept originated in 2014 when CoH founder Sandy Cipriano and her team expanded their vision beyond their initial September fundraising for International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which includes National Cupcake Day.
“With the growing need for medical resources we decided to encourage year-round donations,” explained Cipriano. “We urged people to bake cupcakes, sell them in unique ways and donate the proceeds. The response and willingness to join our mission has been overwhelming.”
CoH directly makes monthly, sometimes weekly, payments to the medical providers of cancer patients. Additionally, volunteers deliver care packages to hospitalised patients. The funds cover a range of needs, from items such as wheelchairs to critical surgeries, addressing the physical, emotional and medical needs of patients.
Thanks to the ongoing Parties of Hope hosted throughout the year, the organisation garnered an additional R1 million for children with cancer. This allowed them to respond to nearly 3 000 medical requests at 20 medical facilities countrywide.
Over the past three years the average number of patients assisted monthly by CoH has grown from 100 to 230. The demand in 2024 was expected to be even higher. “We aim to make hosting a Party of Hope fun and impactful,” said Cipriano.
“Given the relentless nature of cancer-related expenses, we recognise the challenges faced by parents of children with cancer. To create a better tomorrow we must start today, and we’re eager to build momentum towards our 2024 goal.”
To host a Party of Hope register as a baker online at cupcakesofhope.org before Thursday 29 February. Commit to baking 24 or 48 cupcakes (though more are always welcome), organise your sale, bake, raise funds and donate to CoH.
The “Cupcake Angels” will provide all the necessary details for your donation. Businesses interested in larger-scale involvement can do so by sending an email to bake@cupcakesofhope.org. An “Angel Pack” can also be ordered from the website, which contains awareness leaflets, a #bake4cancer apron, balloons and baking cups.
For more information, visit cupcakesofhope.org or send an email to sandy@cupcakesofhope.org.
