Angels With Aprons

Family violence can occur in any family and no matter the scale, can have a long lasting impact. Family Works provides social services for more than 15,000 at-risk children and their families every year. Services include parenting programmes, social workers, counselling, emergency food parcels and budgeting support. While all these services are widely needed, securing funding can often be a challenge.

HOwever, fundraisers have come up with a novel idea to raise both money and awareness. The ‘Angel Cake Bake-Off’ is a Family Works Northern fundraiser to raise money for vital services including counselling for children and their families who have experienced family violence. Passionate foodies, chefs and baking enthusiasts are donning their aprons this month as part of a bake-off to raise funds for at-risk children and their families affected by family violence.

Family Works has encouraged cafés, schools, workplaces and community groups to get involved and register for the ‘Angel Cake Bake-Off’. Participants can fundraise by selling ‘angel cakes’ and baked goods or hosting an angel-themed morning tea. 

Several cafés are already getting behind the fundraiser, including Raven & Cook, located on Manukau Road in Epsom, which was one of the first to register for the campaign. 

Café owner, Ingrid Raven, her three children and a family friend used their baking talents to whip up 60 angel cakes. They set up a stall outside the café during the school holidays to raise money and show their support for families affected by violence.

Laurie Pedlar, General Manager Family Works says family violence continues to be a significant New Zealand issue. 

“I often hear people say they wish there was a way they could help children who are experiencing violence at home. The ‘Angel Cake Bake-Off’ is a fun and simple way to get involved and to help raise funds to provide vital services for families in conflict.” 

She says that baking is a creative activity and lots of fun to explore with children. “We are asking Kiwis to put on their aprons and start baking. By hosting an ‘Angel Cake Bake-Off’, Kiwis can do something practical and raise funds to help support at-risk children and their families in our communities as they tackle overwhelmingly complex issues like family violence.”

To get involved, register here  for the ‘Angel Cake Bake Off’.