Archive for August 20th, 2012
Cupcakes for a Cure
A 10-year-old from Oklahoma, USA is baking cupcakes to raise funds for cancer research. Sydney Wyre, who comes from the city of Broken Arrow, has set up a venture called Syd’s Cupcakes for a Cure, through which she hopes to “cure cancer one cupcake at a time”. Together with her mother Dana she started fundraising a week ago, and by yesterday they had already sold over 1,000 cupcakes. Their current goal is to sell 5,000 by 8 September. Each cake costs $1.
Sydney’s decision to use her passion for baking to fundraise for cancer research came because of friends and family who were hit by the condition, and like so many of the young people we have featured here she says that she enjoys the feeling of helping others. But considering the current popularity of cupcakes, Sydney might well – as someone suggests on her Facebook page – be creating quite a future for herself, into the bargain!
If you live anywhere near Broken Arrow (Sydney and Dana apparently haven’t yet managed to sort out shipping) you might like to place an order, and support Sydney’s excellent cause. Orders (multiples of 6 only, please – unless you place a large order, which requires at least 72 hours’ notice) can be placed by emailing dana.wyre@cox.net or by telephoning 918-630-1806. Or you can IM them, or post a message, via their Facebook page. In any case, you might want to have a look at their Facebook page first, to get an idea of the wide range of flavours available. Even if you’re not close enough to actually order any, you’ll find the selection of photos quite mouth-watering!
Rewarding volunteers
Today I would like to highlight yet another volunteer award scheme for people who are making a difference to their local community – this time it is Wealden District Council that has announced it is looking for nominations for its Community Volunteer Awards. The Awards aim to recognise the contribution made by so many people who help others, and the environment, often without thanks or acknowledgement from society as a whole. The categories are Community Volunteer Hero, Outstanding Community Achievement through Volunteer Hours, Young Volunteer of the Year, and Trustee of the Year. Each winner will receive £25 in gift vouchers, and the organisation they volunteer with will receive a £100 donation. Councillor Johanna Howell, cabinet member for community and volunteering, says that she also hopes that by “finding and rewarding some outstanding examples of volunteering” the local authority will inspire others, showing “the sense of purpose and fulfilment volunteering can bring”. The closing date for nominations is 7 September (midday), and further information can be obtained by calling 01323 443520 or e-mailing communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk. As always, of course, it will be the outcome of the ‘youth’ category that we will be particularly interested in, here at the Chreda Foundation.
