Orphanage to benefit from sweet idea

A Kelowna mother of five is hoping to help children affected by the earthquake in Haiti by making cupcakes.

Emma Klassen is organizing the Sweet Exchange, a fundraiser to support the Canadian Foundation for the Children of Haiti.

The Sweet Exchange will take place on Saturday, January 30 in the parking lot of the Eldorado in Kelowna.

Unlike a traditional fundraiser, people don't walk away empty handed.

“I'm baking 300 gourmet cupcakes. Everyone who brings a donation, be it cash or an item, will get a cupcake,” says Klassen, a child care practitioner.

She says the Canadian Foundation for the Children of Haiti is a Haiti-based organization which supports an orphanage.

“The orphanage was one of the few buildings in the area hit by the earthquake that wasn't destroyed. It's still standing, but the children need help.”

Klassen says in addition to cash, they will be accepting donations of dry food, clothes, tools, baby supplies and women's hygiene products.

The items gathered will be shipped out of Victoria.

The Sweet Exchange runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.