Bake a cupcake, help a shelter cat. Eat a cupcake, give a hand to a shelter dog.
That’s the simple idea behind National Cupcake Day, which this Feb. 29 will see local individuals and businesses serve up treats to humans.
Locally, treats can benefit the Patti Dale Animal Shelter, operated by the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS).
In Langley there has been a big surge of interest this year, and that’s likely a good thing for the shelter, said Jayne Nelson.
“I think we’re already over $2,000 raised,” said Nelson, the shelter’s animal welfare manager.
Last year there were just under 20 teams or organizations baking cupcakes. This year there are more than 40 signed up.
That gives Nelson hope that the money raised may be more than last year’s, which was close to $10,000.
“I think it was word of mouth,” Nelson said. “I think it builds every year.”
LAPS has some international fans as well, including an Australian team that sent in $160.
The money raised will likely go towards the ISOasis facility LAPS plans to start building this spring. ISOasis is an extra building for stray cats, which need more room at LAPS. It will allow staff to isolate more cats from the general animal population and give them more care when they are first brought in.
LAPS will host its own cupcake party at the shelter Feb. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.