Aucklanders celebrated the SPCA's eighth annual Cupcake Day two weeks early this year by indulging in cupcakes and cuddling puppies at a pop-up dog cafe in the CBD this morning.
About 40 people attended the preview event at The Caker's Karangahape Rd shop between 10am and midday. Money raised from today's sales will go towards the SPCA's fight against animal cruelty.
The SPCA aims to raise $400,000 on Cupcake Day, which will be held on Monday, August 15, this year. The charity is asking Kiwis to contribute by baking and selling their own sweet treats and donating proceeds.
SPCA Auckland chief executive Andrea Midgen encouraged New Zealanders to "bake up a storm, make some amazing cupcakes and sell them to their friends and colleagues" to help raise money for animals around New Zealand.
The society's national chief executive, Ric Odom, said funds raised from Cupcake Day would help care for abandoned, neglected and abused animals in the SPCA's 46 New Zealand locations.
