Support icing on SPCA's Cupcake Day

MARTIN DE RUYTER/Nelson Mail

ANIMATION: From left, Donna Walzl, Connor Stewart (behind her), Cheryl Walker, Kerry Marshall and Holly Plant savour a trial-run sample of the cupcakes Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology students will be making as a fundraiser for the Nelson SPCA.

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Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology cookery students will be busy baking for the SPCA's annual Cupcake Day.

The day is on Monday, August 30, and the 36 students will spend the day before baking 400 cupcakes to sell to the public in exchange for donations to Nelson SPCA.

NMIT cookery programme co-ordinator Matt Fahie said the institution liked to be community focused. "It's our way of doing our bit."

SPCA manager Donna Walzl said local businesses and schools had been supportive.

Another supporter is Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall.

Mr Marshall described himself as a good cook, which was fortunate because as the SPCA's official patron he would also be baking.

"It's terrific, it's really cool how many people have got on board," Ms Walzl said. "It's all about raising money and awareness for the SPCA."

Bidvest Foodservice Nelson has donated the ingredients to make 400 chocolate cupcakes, which will be decorated with animal shapes.

Last year, the appeal raised $2200 towards the SPCA's desexing programme. This year the funds would be split between desexing and setting up new aviaries.

Ms Walzl said the SPCA's focus on desexing was starting to have an impact. "Each year up until 2009 the number of animals being brought into our shelter was continuing to rise. Last year, we actually saw the first ever reduction in the number of stray and unwanted animals being brought in. Desexing works because it gets right to the source of the problem."

Local schools and businesses can also get involved in the appeal. Visit spcacupcakeday.co.nz to register.

- © Fairfax NZ News