Hordes of people are gathering in car parks across South Australia’s Riverland region to meet Faye Taylor, a local woman with a mission. Faye stands ready beside her car, the trunk overflowing with eskies and bags, each containing one of the 500 handmade Christmas cakes she has lovingly prepared. These cakes, wrapped with personalized notes, are not just a festive treat but a beacon of hope for children in need overseas.
The excitement is palpable as a diverse crowd comes and goes, eager to exchange a few words with Faye. Among them is Tanya McDonald, who has doubled her order this year. “They just taste bloody lovely,” she says, capturing the sentiment of many who have come to appreciate Faye’s culinary gifts. While Faye donates her time and ingredients, the funds raised from selling the cakes are directed to help children in need abroad, a cause that has fueled her passion since she began this monumental task in September.
The Heart Behind the Baking
Faye’s journey into large-scale baking began as a personal challenge, one that she fits around her day job. Despite the difficulties, she finds solace and purpose in the process. “At my lowest of lows this year, I thought, ‘No, I’m not going to do it.’ [But then I thought], ‘Yes, I’m going to push on,'” she reflects. The joy her cakes bring to others is a powerful motivator. “But they’re so happy, they’re happier than the people here,” she adds, referring to the children who benefit from her efforts.
A Mission Inspired by Experience
Faye’s commitment to helping children overseas was ignited by a missionary trip to Africa nearly three decades ago. “I came back from Africa wanting to sell my house because I just had so much and I felt embarrassed how much I had, after seeing what little they have,” she recalls. The funds from her cake sales are channeled to the Hope Village Orphanage in Indonesia and a ministry in Naivasha, Kenya. Her firsthand visit to the Hope Village Orphanage in 2024 allowed her to witness the impact of her contributions, which support essential needs such as meals, clothing, medical care, housing, and education.
Community Support and Shared Values
Faye’s mission has not gone unnoticed in her community. Glenda Cass, a regular buyer of Faye’s cakes, has become one of her many supporters. “I’ve developed her ingredient labels according to SA Health regulations and I print them off every year for her as a donation,” Glenda shares. Her dedication is fueled by the knowledge that the proceeds go to those in need and by fond memories of her grandmother’s traditional Christmas cakes. “It’s part of her faith, it’s part of what she believes,” Glenda explains. “Her and her husband would give anybody in the community the shirt off their back to help them out and not question it.”
The Ministry of Cake
As Faye’s cakes grace dinner tables across the Riverland and beyond, she takes satisfaction in completing another year of her charitable endeavor. Yet, she knows it won’t be long before she dons her apron once more. “Every year by the time they are all cleared out, I think, ‘Oh, now I’ve got my fridges back, now I’ve got my eskies back,’ but then it’s sort of, ‘Oh, it’s time to start again,'” Faye muses.
Looking Forward
The impact of Faye Taylor’s cakes extends far beyond the festive season. Her efforts exemplify the power of community, compassion, and the difference one person can make. As she continues her annual tradition, Faye’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of giving and the profound connections that can be forged through simple acts of kindness.
