Sweet tooths join the fight against animal cruelty

Published 5:00am 20 September 2024

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

Hundreds of sweet tooths have shown they are committed to ending animal cruelty after attending the RSPCA’s annual Cupcake Day fundraiser at Dakabin.

Held on September 14, the fundraiser featured a mini market with lots of cupcakes, pupcakes, a barbecue, coffee van, face painting, photo wall, colouring-in station, raffles, and even a hydrobath for the furry attendees.

Impressed with the turnout on the day, RSPCA Dakabin Acting Animal Care Manager Dijanna Tramontin says they were able to raise much-needed funds to help animals in need.

“Our event was a real hit with great local community engagement, bringing in a massive $2,071 from on-the-day sales and activities,” Dijanna says.

“Combined with our online fundraising efforts, we surpassed our goal with $3,282 raised for the animals.

“Keeping in mind the current cost-of-living crisis, we wanted to make sure all attendees felt there was plenty to do and participate in, and that their donations came with a bonus - whether that be buying delicious cupcakes, getting their face painted, buying tickets to our countless raffle prizes we had up for grabs, having their dog washed, or picking up some second-hand items or plants.

“This year we also introduced a fun photo wall for everyone to show off on socials, and a creative corner that included a colouring-in station and pet portraits.”

In more sweet news, 18 animals that were being cared for by the RSPCA also found new homes.

Dijanna says none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the generous support of the community.

“Thanks to the support of local businesses and their donations for our raffle prizes, or their baking of yummy treats, we were able to make this year's event a success and look forward to what next year holds.”

To see more photos from the day, click through the gallery below.

Photos supplied by RSPCA Dakabin.

How your donation helps

Held every year, Cupcake Day is one of the RSPCA’s biggest fundraisers.

If you couldn’t make it on the weekend, Dijanna says there is still time to donate.

“There is also still time for animal lovers in the community to host their own RSPCA Cupcake Day fundraiser anytime in September or October,” Dijanna says.

“Head to the RSPCA Cupcake Day website to receive a free party pack.”

Donations can also be made via the RSPCA Dakabin fundraising page.

A donation of $36 can provide a warm bed, love, and care for one day in a shelter.
A donation of $56 can provide antibiotics for an animal recovering from surgery.
A donation of $91 can transport multiple animals to other shelters to increase their hopes of being adopted.
A donation of $118 can desex a male kitten so he can go up for adoption and help stop our stray problem.

Fast facts about RSPCA Queensland

15 cupcakes can vaccinate a puppy against the deadly parvo virus.
For every 150 cupcakes sold on Cupcake Day, an animal cruelty offender can be prosecuted.
They cared for 42,949 animals in 2022/2023.
They cared for 24,871 wildlife statewide in 2022/2023.
More than 3,000 volunteers help RSPCA Queensland every year.