I was approached last week by a lovely young lady named Heena, telling me about an exciting fundraiser she was organizing to benefit the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan; that’s right, Toronto – we’re kickin’ it old school with a bake sale to raise money for Japan Relief efforts.

I’d been watching the news and thinking about what possible help I could offer – any monetary donation I could afford would hardly make a dent – so when she threw her idea at me, I jumped. And the best part? The first venue to come on board is right in my hood: Liberty Noodle @171 East Liberty St in Toronto.

Toronto Bakes For Japan started off as a small bake sale in a funky community in downtown Toronto and has already blossomed to include three more venues (including the Farmers’ Market at Evergreen Brick Works, The Rivoli &  Cafe Diplomatico) across the city as well as an extra date (Saturday, April 9 for the Farmer’s Market venue.)

The event takes place Saturday, April 9 & Sunday, April 10.

100% of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society and not only will the event organizers be publishing a total amount raised by the initiative, but they’ll also upload a receipt after the funds have been transferred. Oh, if only our government could operate so transparently. But I digress.

An extensive set of FAQs regarding this initiative is online – as well as all the event details, times and locations. And if you can take part, Heena asks that you contact her via the website’s Contact page or directly, via email: torontobakesforjapan@gmail.com. She’s super speedy at replying as well – so you won’t have to wait long for a response with how you can get involved.

Bakeries, Restos or Small Businesses can jump on board with donations (including more venues!), pledges or just with help spreading the word.

I plan to get my bake on as my way of helping. And I’ll be on hand throughout the event as an extra pair of hands wherever they may be needed.  So if you can bake something, volunteer some time, attend the event, or just tell someone else about it who can… that would be a fantastic help.

I may not be able to donate oodles of cash but I CAN bake up a storm.

Get involved, Toronto… it’s for an amazing cause!