In the heart of Hamilton, a small charity named “The Cake Detective” is making a significant impact on the lives of children experiencing adversity. Founded by Laura Casey in 2019, this charity has been spreading joy by providing beautifully decorated cakes for children in need, with the help of dedicated volunteers and community support.

The concept behind “The Cake Detective” revolves around the idea of tracking down a cake for a child who might not have the opportunity to have one otherwise. Collaborating with over 60 different agencies such as the New Zealand Police, hospitals, hospices, schools, and social workers, the charity offers free cakes to children up to the age of 18 facing various hardships. These include children in hospice care, hospitals, financial difficulties, foster care, and safe houses for Women’s Refuge.

The process begins with a referral from one of the partnering agencies, usually two weeks before the cake is required. Laura and her team then ensure that the cake is decorated and ready for pickup by a guardian, parent, or social worker, who then delivers it to the child in need, allowing them to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday.

Laura’s inspiration for starting The Cake Detective stemmed from a simple act of kindness when she saw a request for a birthday cake for a foster child. This initial gesture led to the creation of a charity that has grown exponentially over the years. Despite the challenges, Laura finds deep fulfillment in bringing happiness to these children who may not have experienced such gestures of care and celebration before.

The impact of these cakes goes beyond just a sweet treat; it provides a moment of joy and recognition for children who may have never received such acknowledgment on their birthdays. The charity has decorated over 2700 cakes to date, each one personalized based on popular themes like Paw Patrol, Fortnite, unicorns, and Minecraft.

While the demand for cakes continues to rise, The Cake Detective is always in need of more funding and volunteers to support its mission. Recent contributions, such as a generous donation from the ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation, have helped the charity acquire necessary equipment like an extra-large mixer to streamline operations.

Despite the increasing number of cake requests, Laura remains dedicated to the cause, finding immense reward in witnessing the joy these cakes bring to children in challenging circumstances. For her, the essence of living a meaningful life lies in giving back to others and making a positive impact whenever possible.