Hot Cross Buns will be all that much sweeter thanks to Bakers Delight franchise bakers across Australia who will bake more than 870,000 buns to raise money for sick children at hospitals across the country on Saturday March 20. On ÔBundraiser DayÕ, all 625 Bakers Delight bakeries nationwide will be donating $1 from every six-pack of Hot Cross Buns sold, to raise over $145,000 for the purchase of essential medical equipment to help make a difference for sick children this Easter.

Bakers DelightÕs support in New South Wales will help fund refurbish and upgrade the parent and carer facilities of the Adolescent Ward at the Sydney ChildrenÕs Hospital. This will help provide comfort and respite for the parents of sick children like 10-year-old Olivia Wood.

Olivia was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just five weeks old and now contends with ongoing medication and intensive physiotherapy to keep herself healthy and minimise her time at hospital. Her condition is especially tough on her parents who are required to stay for extended periods at the Hospital.

Wendy Dickinson, nurse unit manager of the Adolescent Ward at Sydney ChildrenÕs Hospital, said “The support parents and carers provide to their children while in hospital is crucial. Providing parents with a comfortable sofa bed and retreat to rest ensures that they can stay with and comfort their children during what can be a very stressful time. I hope everyone gets behind the Bundraiser Day at Bakers Delight to help give families across Australia the support they deserve.”

Chris Caldwell, general manager at Bakers Delight said “WeÕve been baking our Hot Cross Buns fresh each day over Easter for the past 30 years, with over 152 million buns baked across the network.

“Our aim is to raise more than what we did last year and bake fresh on Bundraiser Day our biggest batch of Hot Cross Buns ever; so we are encouraging all our local customers to dig deep and purchase a six pack on the day or donate in collection tins provided on the counter.”

Nationally, hospitals set to benefit from Bakers DelightÕs fundraising efforts include: Sydney ChildrenÕs Hospital Foundation (NSW) Royal ChildrenÕs Hospital Good Friday Appeal (VIC) Royal ChildrenÕs Hospital Foundation (QLD) Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation (WA) Women and ChildrenÕs Hospital Foundation (SA) Royal Hobart Hospital (TAS) Royal Darwin Hospital (NT).

Over the years Bakers Delight has developed a variety of flavours to satisfy hot cross cravings of all kinds. This Easter, Bakers Delight Hot Cross Bun range of traditional, fruitless, choc chip and mocha varieties, will be even tastier and softer with a new secret recipe.