Well, this is a lovely story to warm the cockles of anyone's heart in the throes of freezing January. East London bakery Lily Vanilli is celebrating its 15th birthday and has decided that giving back is the best way to do that.
Baker and owner Lily Jones, who's made cakes for everyone from Elton John and Lady Gaga to Madonna, has decided to launch the Lily Vanilli Birthday Project. The aim is to get a birthday cake to children in London who might not otherwise get one. The principle is simple: customers either donate the cost of a whole cake or make any kind of contribution towards one.
The bakery is working with the Mayor’s Fund for London (MFL), a charity that will help sending out cakes every month to community hubs such as youth clubs, local schools, sports clubs and adventure playgrounds. There are four styles of cakes on offer and the recipient gets to choose the flavour (anything from vanilla to chocolate to rose, coconut, lemon, raspberry, and salted caramel) along with the colour and piped message.
"We felt there’s no better way to mark [our own birthday] than to celebrate the importance of birthday cakes for everyone," says Lily. "I’ve worked with the MFL for a while now and am so passionate about the work they’re doing to help children around London."
If the idea of a kid not getting a cake on their birthday makes you sad you can fix that right now by donating here.
Photo: Katie Wilson
More about Lily Vanilli
Where is it? 6 The Courtyard, Ezra Street, London E2 7RH
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @lily_vanilli_cake
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