SA’s Biggest Cupcake Fundraiser Returns to Support Kids Battling Cancer

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National Cupcake Day, the sweetest event on the calendar, is just around the corner! For as little as R10, you can indulge in a delicious cupcake, knowing that every bite helps provide vital support to children and families bravely facing cancer.

South Africa (09 September 2025) – It’s that time of the year again when bakers, cake lovers and champions of childhood cancer awareness come together for a day of generosity, creativity, and hope: “National Cupcake Day”!

Now in its 13th edition, Cupcakes of Hope (CoH), South Africa’s beloved childhood cancer NGO, is gearing up to host its flagship event on 27 September.

This year, the National Cupcake Day fundraiser will be taking place at 79 malls around the country, transforming shopping centres into colourful havens of home-baked cupcakes and compassion.

Last year, the national event saw almost 2,000 bakers take part, 114,291 cupcakes pledged online, and 74 malls making space available for sales, raising over R2 million!

“Our bakers are known as Cupcake Angels,” says CoH founder, Sandy Cipriano.

“They are all volunteers, and the backbone of our organisation; hosting events, encouraging donations, and registering for NCD. Each one of them pours in their energy, time, and even their own money to bake the most incredible cupcake creations, which are then shared with the public in exchange for a small donation on National Cupcake Day. They truly deserve their title!”

CoH’s Patron, Dr Natashé Daniels, who was diagnosed with cancer at just 15 years old, encourages families and communities to support the charity’s movement.

“Not only has this organisation created a platform where I can share my story, but also provided the opportunity to create awareness about childhood cancer. I want to encourage everyone to be the miracle in somebody else’s life. Small things such as baking cupcakes, or buying them, can make an enormous difference to a child with cancer,” she says.

Elri Mienie, the National Cupcake Day Project Manager, concurs:

“My journey started after my own cancer diagnosis. I joined CoH in 2012 after overcoming breast cancer and have been a Cupcake Angel ever since. I now lead the NCD campaign across South Africa, and giving back is my greatest joy. In 2024, the generosity from South Africans, who were all feeling the cost-of-living, was so humbling. Our appreciation cannot really be put into words, and we thank everyone in advance for their support in 2025!”

Mienie witnesses the difference CoH makes in the lives of patients first-hand. Part of her role involves hospital visits to deliver care bags and celebrate special milestones like birthdays.

“In 2024, CoH was able to nationally fulfil 2,568 financial support requests, delivered 3,022 activity care bags to over 21 paediatric oncology wards, and celebrated 111 patient birthdays”, shares Cipriano.

“To every parent who has a healthy child, please come and support the mall nearest to you. Every single cupcake sold brings us closer to our target and helps us add more children fighting cancer to our register.”

For a donation of R10–R20, the public can enjoy a cupcake this National Cupcake Day, knowing that those Rands help CoH support children and families affected by cancer.

Registration to bake and participate is still open here.