National Cupcake Day

  • February 1, 2017

Have your cake and eat it too with the PEI Humane Society

Whether you love to bake them, eat them or do both (that’s me!), there’s something about a cupcake that sets it apart from its counterparts – the slice of cake, the brownie, the cookie, the square.  Cupcakes are picture perfect pieces of heaven with just the right balance of frosting and cake to elicit an ‘MMMmmmm’ with every single bite. Individually-portioned, one can easily convince oneself the cupcake is calorie-controlled and therefore an acceptable indulgence.  I suspect whomever came up with the idea to create National Cupcake Day™  in support of homeless animals had a special place in their heart for both our furry friends and the ever-popular sweet treat that makes so many of us swoon.

This year, Canada’s National Cupcake Day™  takes place on Monday, February 27th and all proceeds from this tasty fundraiser will support the very important work of SPCAs and Humane Societies across the country, including our very own local shelter, the PEI Humane Society.

“Last year groups and individuals across the Island raised $15,000,” said Jennifer Harkness, Development Coordinator for the PEI Humane Society. “Community donations keep shelter doors open and staff can focus on animal protection, enrichment, shelter and veterinarian care.”

It’s super easy to participate and tasty, of course. If you love to bake, February is the perfect time to dust off that apron and revisit some of your most beloved cupcake recipes or try some new ones.  You can register as an individual, a team or a workplace.  As a two-time participant, I highly recommend getting a few friends on board to help out, rather than going it alone. It makes the fundraising aspect easier, the baking days more fun and, importantly, ensures that you are not the only one that must take on the arduous task of taste testing your cupcakes.

 

photo credit: Sharon Doucette, Summerside Lawtons

It’s easy to participate and tasty, of course. If you love to bake, February is the perfect time to dust off that apron and revisit some of your most beloved cupcake recipes or try some new ones. You can register as an individual, a team, or a workplace. As a two-time participant, I highly recommend getting a few friends on board to help out rather than going it alone. It makes the fundraising aspect easier, the baking days more fun, and, importantly, ensures that you are not the only one that must take on the arduous task of taste-testing your cupcakes.

Once you’ve baked up a slew of cupcakes, it’s time to sell those delicious creations! Harkness suggests bringing your cupcakes to wherever people congregate including offices, community clubs, pet stores, schools, and family celebrations. In my experience, taking pre-orders for cupcakes worked beautifully and made it easy to figure out how many of each flavour to bake. Be sure to promote your cupcake sale through social media, word of mouth, emails, postering, or any other way you think you can spread the word.

Just follow these steps to “bake” a difference.

1. Set a date and mark your calendar

Not able to participate on February 27? No problem! You can hold your National Cupcake Day Party any time in February.

2. Register online and customize your Personal Fundraising Page (www.nationalcupcakeday.ca)

3. Tell everyone!

Consider taking pre-orders and determine what flavours you will offer.

4. Bake up a storm

5. Hold the best Cupcake Day party ever

6. Share your success with everyone

7. Thank your support team!

Tip: Ask your local farmer or grocer for eggs, cream, butter and flour produced here on PEI to keep it local.

Not all of us are bakers and not all of us have time to host a cupcake party, but worry not. You can still support National Cupcake Day by attending a cupcake party and leaving a donation. It’s a great opportunity to delight your co-workers with morning cupcakes that everyone can feel good about devouring in the name of a worthwhile charity.

Visit www.nationalcupcakeday.ca to find out more about hosting a party and to pre-register your team or business. Visit www.peihumanesociety.com to learn more about the PEI Humane Society and find a list of local cupcake events taking place near you.

About Shannon Courtney

Shannon is the co-founder of Salty and was its editor-in-chief for the publication's inaugural year. When she’s not writing about food, Shannon's either cooking, eating, talking, or thinking about it. Her food adventures have included milking a Jersey cow in Australia, almost overdosing on maple syrup in Prince Edward County, and studying local food systems in Vermont as part of her Master’s thesis research. Shannon is also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and strongly believes you CAN make friends with salad.

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