Given that we’re a food city, there have got to be many a Vancouverite who love to bake. Those who have mastered the art of the cupcake (and even those who haven't) will want to get busy in the kitchen for BC SPCA’s National Cupcake Day.

The annual event works like this: you bake as many batches of the sweet treats as you can and give them away in exchange for donations.

Although the official “day” takes place on February 26, participants can throw a cupcake party at their home, school, or work on that date or any other leading up to it. They can also bake throughout January and February and simply have people donate online.

The BC SPCA will use the funds to find homes for surrendered, rescued, neglected or abused animals and provide emergency care to injured animals.

Besides helping so many creatures in need, there’s an added incentive this year: those who register and raise $50 before January 31 will be entered in a draw to win a KitchenAid Stand mixer.

Last year, Canadians raised more than $600,000 through their baking and fundraising efforts. Since the campaign’s inception in 2013, $2.45 million has been raised, with proceeds going to participating SPCAs and humane societies right across the country. 

“It’s a very important campaign for us in terms of fundraising for the work that we do and it’s wonderful to see how much it has grown over the past few years,” BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell said in a release. “It’s a delicious way to show your compassion for animals.”

Anyone who registers and makes a self-donation of $25 or more will be sent a host kit including a fundraising guide, cupcake selfie frame, mini tote bag, and more.

Full details are at nationalcupcakeday.ca.