By Shelby Brooks
The smell of freshly baked cupcakes has been catching the noses of Pearcedale residents as the RSPCA’s Cupcake Day fast approaches.
Returning on Monday 16 August, Cupcake Day encourages Victorians to grab their aprons and preheat their ovens in preparation to bake to fight animal cruelty.
Pearcedale’s Zoe Williams has raised $60 so far for the cause, baking gorgeous cupcakes for locals within her 5km radius.
She allowed customers to choose the price they wanted to pay for the goodies, with all proceeds going to the RSPCA.
“During lockdowns, we all need our hobbies to keep from going mad and one of mine is baking,” Zoe said.
“Cakes can bring smiles to people’s faces, but birthdays and celebrations are being cancelled everywhere, sometimes for the second year in a row.
“I find decorating cakes to be quite therapeutic, so decided to share some with the local community and try to raise some money for an excellent cause at the same time.”
Zoe said she was grateful for the local RSPCA for her cat Eva and every other animal they have helped.
“Fighting animal cruelty is a cause everyone can get behind,” she said.
RSPCA Victoria typically raises around $230,000 annually to help care for the 20,000 animals that enter its shelters on average every year.
Participants in Cupcake Day can also host their celebration at any time, including virtually.
That includes Zoom bake-offs with friends and family or setting baking challenges with colleagues.
Everyone who registers for RSPCA’s Cupcake Day receives online access to all the resources needed to host a virtual baking event.
“This is the time to roll up your sleeves and put your cooking skills to the test for a very worthy cause. Knowing that you’re raising funds for thousands of animals in need and joining like-minded animal lovers around the country adds another level of joy to cooking,” said Dr Liz Walker, CEO at RSPCA Victoria.
“Cupcake Day unites people who care about animal welfare – their efforts help to ensure we can continue to care for vulnerable animals and investigate cases of cruelty.
“RSPCA Victoria relies on community donations to fund its work caring for homeless, neglected and abused animals.”
Cupcake Day isn’t limited to cupcakes and sweet treats, with quiches, pies and savoury pastries all making the cut along with wintry soups, soufflés or casseroles.
To register and find cooking tips, drool-worthy recipes, along with helpful hints and online competitions, visit rspcacupcakeday.com.au.
To support Zoe, head to rspcacupcakeday.com.au/fundraisers/zoewilliams.
