The idea behind Free Cakes
for Kids is simple. There are many children who would love to have a birthday
cake made especially for them, but whose family circumstances make this
difficult. Many Tottenham children, for example, live in temporary
accommodation where there is no access to proper cooking facilities. Some
children are young carers trying to juggle caring responsibilities with
schoolwork and do not have the time to make cakes for themselves or their
siblings. Some families simply cannot afford to make a special cake, or are
caught up in a crisis (for example bereavement or redundancy) that leaves them
with neither the inclination nor the energy to bake. In such difficult
situations, the small gesture of providing a tailor-made cake can make a huge
difference to a child, giving pleasure on their birthday and happy memories for
the future.
Each Free Cakes for Kids
group has a co-ordinator whose role is to recruit bakers and bring in referrals
for suitable children and families, for example from food banks and refugee
organizations. As the Haringey co-ordinator (and former TCC member), I would be
delighted to hear from anyone interested in baking for the group or supporting
it in any other way, for example by delivering cakes or helping with
fundraising. Competent home bakers are welcome – there is no need to be a
professional cook. However, all Free Cakes for Kids bakers are required to sign
the organization’s hygiene and confidentiality policies, and must also be
willing to buy their own ingredients and equipment. Once they have signed up,
bakers are always free to turn down a referral if they do not feel able to make
the type of cake requested, or if they simply do not have the time.
If you would like to know more about the Free Cakes for Kids UK network in general, you can access the organisation’s website at www.freecakesforkids.org.uk.
