Birthdays are a big deal for kids—but not every child gets to celebrate. Girls Gone Local’s primary initiative, Candles & Cake, funds and hosts birthday celebrations for Toronto kids residing at The Red Door Shelter. These parties ensure every child is recognized, the birthday kids are celebrated and their mothers, who are escaping domestic violence, feel empowered and appreciated. Candles & Cake brings birthday joy to children by ensuring they get celebrations filled with entertainment and excitement.

we wear many (Party) Hats to make it happen

Our dedicated volunteer team wears many hats, offering our skills as educators, social workers, accountants, marketers, and parents. That means we’re experts at ensuring these parties are always fun and affordable. We handle everything, from food, fun activities, professional performers, party decorations, personalized loot bags and of course, birthday cake, so every party feels special and each celebrant does, too.

Thanks to the kind support of sponsors, donors, and volunteers, we’ve made these celebrations happen monthly for almost a decade. We stretch every dollar to create unforgettable parties but never cut corners on fun.  Even during the pandemic when we couldn’t host in person, our team packed party boxes and delivered them directly to the shelter staff, remaining true to our mission and commitment.