It’s time to bring out your best baking skills because National Cupcake Day is fast approaching.
The annual day dedicated to deliciousness is a Canadian fundraiser that supports local shelters, SPCA’s and humane societies across the country. With this year’s National Cupcake Day coming up on Feb. 24, the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) is asking you to help sprinkle some love and do something sweet for animals in need.
The concept is simple: Local businesses and members of the community are encouraged to host a cupcake party of their own — anywhere and on any date — in January or February. By registering to host a fundraiser, the GTHS will support you throughout the process and all of the proceeds will go towards local shelters.
According to Abigail Krogman, the fundraising coordinator for the GTHS, there are over 30 societies, rescues and shelters in Ontario alone that take part in the annual fundraiser.
“We have people from seven years old to seventy holding their own version of a cupcake party,” said Krogman. “It’s one of those campaigns that everyone can get involved with.”
And the GTHS will follow suite, inviting you to its own cupcake party at the end of the month.
The GTHS will host the first ever Youth Cupcake Challenge at the Collingwood Youth Centre on Feb. 22, followed by the society's own Cupcake Party on Feb. 23.
To participate in the challenge, local youth will bring 24 undecorated cupcakes to the Youth Centre and have until 4:00 pm to decorate them. Judges from local bakeries and the title sponsors will crown the ultimate cupcake at the “finals” that afternoon, and the winner will receive a prize. All of the cupcakes will be sold at the GTHS Cupcake Party the next day.
“We really want to get young people involved as much as we can, and we think this is a fun way to do it,” said Krogman.
The official party will take place on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. There will be crafts for the kids, a big photobooth from the title sponsor, Royal LePage Trinity Realty, and of course, cuddles with the kittens. There will also be over 1000 cupcakes for people to purchase.
Along with the cupcakes from the youth challenge, there will be a variety of cupcakes from local businesses and grocery stores, and homemade cupcakes from GTHS volunteers and their families. Amy’s Espresso Bar & Cakery has also generously offered to donate dozens of cupcakes covering all allergy and dietary restrictions.
“It is a community effort,” said Krogman. “We couldn’t pull this off without our community or volunteers.”
National Cupcake Day began as a fundraiser in 2012 and since then has raised $3.15 million, helping thousands of animals across Canada.
According to the National Cupcake Day website, in the last eight years 136,956 cupcakes have been baked to support animals in need.
“By getting involved and by raising critically needed funds, you are changing the lives of so many vulnerable animals.”
Krogman said in 2019 alone, the GTHS helped over 1900 animals through intakes and outreach programs. The society also opened its own animal hospital last year, completing 851 animal surgeries.
“It’s extraordinary,” said Krogman. “Those are the highest numbers we’ve ever seen.”
Krogman, who fancies a carrot cake cupcake herself, hopes this year will be the biggest one yet. She said supporting animals, in every sense of the word, is important.
“Our big tagline is that Cupcakes can change lives,” she said. “That's not just animal lives, but human lives as well. There is so much research out there that shows caring for an animal boosts your mental and emotional health as well. So by supporting the animals at the GTHS, you are supporting our community and the people who adopt these animals as well.
