In the heart of Hamilton, a small charity, known as ‘The Cake Detective,’ is dedicated to bringing joy to children facing adversity. Founded by Laura Casey in 2019, this initiative has been instrumental in brightening the lives of children during their birthdays through beautifully decorated cakes. The charity operates in collaboration with over 60 different agencies, including the New Zealand Police, hospitals, hospices, women’s refuges, schools, and social workers.

The concept behind ‘The Cake Detective’ stems from the idea of ‘tracking down’ a cake for a child in need. Laura Casey explains that the charity offers free cakes to children up to the age of 18 who are experiencing various forms of hardship. This includes children in hospitals, hospices, financial distress, foster care, and safe houses for Women’s Refuge. The process begins with a referral from one of the partnering agencies, with the cake being decorated by volunteers before being picked up by a guardian, parent, or social worker for the child’s celebration.

Laura’s inspiration for starting this charity came from a simple act of kindness when she saw a request for a birthday cake for a foster child on Facebook. This initial gesture grew into a significant endeavor as the demand for cakes soared. Despite the challenges, Laura finds immense fulfillment in providing these cakes, emphasizing the emotional impact they have on the recipients. For many children, receiving a personalized cake from ‘The Cake Detective’ is a unique and cherished experience, often marking the first time they have been acknowledged on their birthdays.

The charity has decorated over 2700 cakes to date, with popular themes including Paw Patrol, Fortnite, unicorns, and Minecraft. Laura, who learned cake baking and decorating through practice and online resources like YouTube, stresses the importance of high-quality cakes that are personalized for each child. However, to sustain this meaningful work, ‘The Cake Detective’ is continuously in need of funding and volunteers.

The support received from organizations like the ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation has been instrumental in enabling ‘The Cake Detective’ to expand its operations. For instance, a generous donation of $3200 allowed the charity to purchase essential equipment, such as an extra-large mixer, streamlining the cake-making process. Despite the increasing demand for cakes, Laura remains dedicated to her mission, driven by the joy and gratitude expressed by the children who receive these special treats. She believes that giving back to others and making a positive impact in their lives is a fundamental aspect of living a meaningful life.