Two Sweet Ways to Make a Difference at Clearwater Mall This September

A shoebox, a cupcake and a few minutes of your time can go a long way this September as Clearwater Mall gives shoppers two easy ways to support children through the Santa Shoebox Project and Cupcakes of Hope’s National Cupcake Day.

One calls for thoughtful shopping and a little creative packing. The other comes topped with icing. Both give Clearwater Mall shoppers an opportunity to turn an ordinary mall visit into something that can make a real difference to a child.

Fill a box with eight essentials and plenty of thought

The Santa Shoebox Project is back, and pledges are now open. Shoppers can pledge a box for a specific child, collect a free shoebox from the Clearwater Mall Information Desk at Entrance 3, and then get to work filling it.

Each box must include eight essentials: a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washcloth, educational supplies, an outfit of clothing, sweets and a toy. From there, donors can add age-appropriate extras and a personal note to make the box feel that little bit more special.

For anyone who enjoys choosing the perfect gift, this is the kind of shopping list that comes with a purpose. A new T-shirt, stationery, a favourite sweet or a toy selected with one particular child in mind can turn a simple shoebox into something eagerly anticipated.

The Santa Shoebox Project marks its 20th anniversary in 2026 and has delivered more than 1.35 million personalised shoeboxes to children in under-resourced communities since it began.

What you need to know:
Pledges: From 1 September 2026
Free shoebox collection: Clearwater Mall Information Desk, Entrance 3
For full pledge and drop-off information: [link removed]

Buy a cupcake & back a child fighting cancer

On Saturday, 26 September, Clearwater Mall swaps shoeboxes for sprinkles when Cupcakes of Hope brings National Cupcake Day to the centre.

Volunteer bakers, affectionately known as Cupcake Angels, will be supplying cupcakes to help raise funds for children affected by cancer and their families. The premise is deliciously simple: choose a cupcake, make a donation and help support the work of Cupcakes of Hope.

Clearwater Mall is one of more than 80 participating venues around South Africa, with the 2026 campaign aiming to secure pledges for 200,000 cupcakes and raise more than R2 million.

Home bakers can also join the effort by registering to bake for National Cupcake Day, although shoppers who prefer eating cupcakes to making them are equally welcome to do their bit.

Cupcakes for Kids with Cancer | National Cupcake Day
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Venue: Clearwater Mall
More information: [link removed]

“September gives our shoppers two completely different ways to support children, and both are incredibly easy to get behind,” says Prianka Singh Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Clearwater Mall. “You can put real thought into packing a Santa Shoebox, or simply stop by on National Cupcake Day and enjoy something sweet for a good cause. We hope our shoppers will embrace both.”

So, add a shoebox to the shopping list, save room for something sweet and give your next trip to Clearwater Mall an extra meaningful reason.

[link removed]