Free cakes for Hackney kids!

The icing on the cake: free birthday cakes for kids

Free Cakes For Kids Hackney (FCFK Hackney) is a local group run entirely by volunteers aiming to provide free birthday cakes to children who might not otherwise receive them.

The group was set up by friends Jules Clarke and Sophie Howes, who were particularly inspired by the Free Cakes For Kids Cardiff group.

Jules Clarke said: “After a year of umming and ahing we decided to go for it, always with the goal of helping to make many children’s birthdays special with a free cake in mind.”

She added: “We believe that Hackney is a special place. As one of the poorest boroughs in the country there are many families who don’t have the money, time or resources to provide their child with a birthday cake.”

FCFK Hackney has recruited 30 voluntary bakers so far, and has baked well over 50 cakes for children living in Hackney.

The organisation accommodates a child’s favourite colour or character to provide them with a unique birthday cake.

Lee Coventry, a volunteer baker, said: “It’s a great feeling to know that such a simple thing as baking and decorating a cake can make a difference in a kid’s life.”

He added: “Your birthday is the one day of the year you’re supposed to feel special and it’s really humbling to know that I’ve contributed to that.”

FCFK Hackney identifies children in need of a cake by taking referrals from local children’s services, such as schools and children’s centres.

Tessa Lidstone, committee member and baker said: “We need referrals in order to develop the organisation.

“Of course it wouldn’t happen without the work of our volunteers or without people’s very generous financial donations, but if no child gets referred to us then there would be no cakes to make.”

FCFK Hackney celebrated their first anniversary on 24 October by throwing a birthday party for all their bakers and referrers at The Empress pub in Victoria Park.

One of the voluntary bakers made a birthday cake whilst others provided cupcakes.

Local businesses also got involved with the celebrations by providing FCFK Hackney with raffle prizes as a way of raising money for the organisation.

If you know of a child who could benefit from having a free cake baked for them email freecakesforkidshackney@gmail.com or call 07863 561 419.

If you would like to get involved or make a donation to the organisation visit Free Cakes for Kids – Hackney.