Ontario SPCA National Cupcake Day treats save lives of sweet pets

By Patricia Leboeuf | February 10, 2022 | Local

Foster was adopted May 2012, so this day will be his 10th year Adoptaversary. He has been very active as a cupcake crusader and has helped raise thousands of dollars for local vulnerable animals. (Submitted photo)

Cupcakes taste best when they help save the lives of Renfrew County animals.

Over the past decade, animal lovers with a sweet tooth could combine both these passions during the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) National Cupcake Day presented by Milk-Bone® and Robin Hood®.

Hundreds of animal lives have been saved through this event, which this year will be held on Feb. 28.

The annual fundraiser has raised more than $140,000 just for the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre since it began.

“That to me speaks volumes,” said Heather Jobe, Ontario SPCA Community Development Coordinator. “That translates to so much care. These animals are looked after, they are vaccinated, they are spayed and neutered, and they get a second chance for a better life.”

By purchasing and selling cupcakes or participating in one of the Ontario SPCA’s activities, people are making a difference in the lives of local animals.

Typically, the Renfrew County Animal Centre would host several bake sales across the region, culminating in a sugary extravaganza on the official day. But things had to be scaled back and returned to a more grassroots level.

There will be individual cupcake bakers, online shopping, local activities and decorating challenges with the chance to win fabulous prizes.

“However you are choosing to fundraise, it is helping the animals,” said Jobe. “...You can still get your cupcake fix, but it is just looking a bit different.”

Lady was adopted several months ago and is meow living her best life. She was saved due to donations made towards National Cupcake Day. (Submitted photo.)

Fundraising efforts will occur throughout February, and at the national level, the Ontario SPCA hopes to raise $100,000. Jobe is confident they will raise several thousand locally due to the community’s generous nature.

“People in this area are so connected to their animals,” she said. “They can really see the difference animals make in their lives, and they are just drawn to a fundraiser like this that they know is going to help.”

Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer will also be hosting a Cupcakepalooza at the end of the month. Over three days, three dollars from every pack of cupcakes purchased will be given to the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre.

At Pet Value, tennis balls and toy mice will be placed in a cupcake holder for sale, with part of the proceeds being donated to the animal centre.

“Those are an excellent example of how you can help even if you don’t know how to bake,” said Jobe.

For more information or register for the cupcake decorating contest, please visit nationalcupcakeday.ca.

The cupcake in each of the four categories that has the most votes wins.

To shop at the Ontario SPCA’s online market, please visit their Facebook page, Paws to Shop Small! Online Market in Support of Local Animals.