How to host an in-person bake sale

You might think holding a bake sale in a pandemic is too difficult, however, despite restrictions being in place, bake sales are still a fun way to raise vital money whilst spreading some joy.

Here are some helpful tips on how to make your socially distanced bake sale fun and safe.

Choose your location

If you’re hosting your bake sale at home, you could use your garden or driveway, while maintaining social distancing. Up to 6 people, or two households, can now meet in gardens in England so you could invite close family, friends or neighbours round!

Your cakes could be displayed on a beautifully decorated table, with the cost of cakes clearly shown along with messages about how each sale will help members of the nursing and midwifery family suffering crisis (see fundraising pack for more details).

A great idea is to share a photo of your bake stand with your friends, family and neighbours so they can order their treats in advance. Their orders can then be placed into a lunchbox/container and set aside for them to collect at an arranged time.

You may also be able to host your bake sale at work. Please speak to appropriate colleagues and/or building owners about this and follow any required health and safety measures.

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When sharing details with friends, family and neighbours, offer staggered arrival times. This will avoid congestion and give you a steady stream of visitors all day.

How to take donations

Leave a donation box or two next to your bakes which you can pay into your fundraising page later. It’s recommended to leave the cash in the box for 72 hours before counting and remember to wash your hands before and after counting the money.

Once you have counted your donations, they can be paid into your fundraising page. Please be aware, donations in return for cake are not eligible for Gift Aid.

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Keep your bake sale cashless by downloading a personal QR code for people to scan to take them straight to your fundraising page! www.qrcode-monkey.com/

Promote your bake sale

The best thing to promote your bake is to spread the word far and wide!

Share on local Facebook groups, on Twitter or Instagram.
Tell your friends, family and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups
Email friends and work colleagues.

Include tantalising photos of tasty treats – they won’t be able to resist!

Share you’re the date, time and location of your bake sale, explain how people can get involved, what’s on sale, and how all donations will help UK nurses, midwives & healthcare assistants in hardship.

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Invite your friends and family to bring some bakes to your event as well to create an even more impressive display or delicious treats!

Staff safe & hygenic

There are some important things to do on the day to ensure you remain safe:

Individually wrap each slice of cake and space them apart – this will help people feel more confident about getting a slice without worrying about touching others.
Include some complimentary hand gel on your table.
Stand well back from your table when people approach, and wear a mask.
Use clear and simple signage to help people easily see what’s available. This will help cut down on time spent at your table, which can cause congestion.

Final things to remember

Please always follow government guidelines around group sizes and social distancing. Feel free to take extra precautions, like more frequent hand washing, baking with a mask on and keeping spaces well ventilated.
Always keep to FSA guidelines when baking.
Please ensure you bake safely, especially if your children are involved.

Sign up to Raise Your Whisks

If you can’t host an in-person bake sale, you could always host a virtual bake sale! Find out how!