Sandton turns up the sweetness, the colour, and the horsepower with three standout efforts rallying together for kids.

• Sandton shows that kindness doesn’t have to be quiet — sometimes it’s loud, bright, and deliciously baked for a cause.
• What better way to rally a community than with sprinkles, splashes of paint, and revving engines, all in the name of helping kids shine brighter?
• These three initiatives prove that when you mix creativity, generosity, and a dash of horsepower, you get a recipe for unforgettable impact.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

Sandton is about to prove, once again, that it’s not only the economic heart of South Africa but also a community hub with plenty of heart. Over the coming months, three major initiatives are bringing sweet treats, bright colours, and even the chance to win a brand-new car – all in the name of helping children who need it most. From cupcakes baked with love, to orange-clad fun runs, to a dream raffle with life-changing prizes, these events are proof that generosity in Sandton comes in every flavour.

Cupcakes Of Hope: A Sweet Stand Against Childhood Cancer

First up is National Cupcake Day (NCD), taking place on 27 September 2025, the flagship fundraising event of Cupcakes of Hope (CoH). If the thought of thousands of brightly decorated cupcakes lined up at shopping malls across the country doesn’t make you smile, the cause behind them certainly will.

This year, the movement has grown in the Johannesburg and Pretoria regions, with 24 malls in Johannesburg and 8 in Pretoria confirmed – up from last year’s 21 and 6 respectively. That’s a lot of sprinkles and even more community spirit. Nationally, the day brings together over 2’000 volunteer bakers, who in 2024 helped raise a remarkable R2’326’347 for kids fighting cancer.

Founder Sandy Cipriano is immensely proud of what her network of bakers – fondly known as Cupcake Angels – has achieved. Since CoH’s launch in 2012, the organisation has supported more than 10’000 families. Just last year, it fulfilled 2’568 financial support requests, delivered 3’022 activity care bags to over 21 paediatric oncology wards, and even celebrated 111 patient birthdays. The secret ingredient? The Cupcake Angels themselves.

From Rosebank Mall to Fourways Mall, Cresta Shopping Centre to Menlyn Park, cupcake stands will be spread across Sandton, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Registration to join the baking army is already open on the Cupcakes of Hope website.

Cotlands Run To Play: Painting the Town Orange

If cupcakes aren’t your thing but you still want to get involved, lace up your sneakers. On 22 November 2025, Sandtonites will join Johannesburg residents in turning James and Ethel Gray Park into a river of orange at the inaugural Cotlands Run to Play.

This isn’t your average charity run. With distances of 2km, 5km, and 8km, it’s designed for everyone – from serious runners to families with toddlers in tow. But more importantly, the event shines a light on a sobering fact: 58% of South African children aren’t enrolled in any early learning programme. Cotlands, with its 89-year legacy of early childhood development, is on a mission to change that.

Participants can expect a carnival-like day with a pop-up toy library, children’s entertainment, music, food stalls, and lots of orange energy. Costumes are encouraged, creativity is welcomed, and corporate teams are invited to join in as part of an inspiring year-end team-building experience. Proceeds from the event will fund Cotlands’ toy libraries and playgroups in under-resourced communities, giving more children access to play-based early learning.

Reach For A Dream Raffle: Win Big, Give Bigger

For those who prefer a shot at life-changing luck, Reach For A Dream has you covered with its annual Dream Raffle, now in its 30th year. And the headline prize? A brand-new Jetour X70 Plus Momentum SUV, sponsored by Jetour South Africa. Tickets cost just R200, but they’re capped at 10’000 – making the odds far more tempting than your average lottery.

In addition to the SUV, the second prize is a two-night luxury stay at three retreat properties across South Africa, while the third prize is a R4’500 shopping voucher bundle including Food Lover’s Market, Col’Cacchio, Woodlands Spa, and Olives & Plates.

Entries are available exclusively on the Dream Raffle website, with the final draw taking place on 15 December 2025 or two weeks after the last ticket is sold.

What ties these three events together isn’t just geography – it’s the unshakable belief that communities can transform children’s lives. Whether it’s baking a batch of cupcakes, running in orange trainers, or buying a raffle ticket, every act is a building block in creating a brighter future.

So mark your calendars: 27 September 2025 for National Cupcake Day, 22 November 2025 for Cotlands Run to Play, and 15 December 2025 for the Reach For A Dream Raffle draw. It’s cupcakes, colour, and a car – all in the name of hope.

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