Hit show inspires people to get involved in charity bake sale fundraising

The Great British Bake Off has inspired young people to bake for a good cause according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

Recent polling, carried out for CAF by YouGov, found that almost a fifth (19%) of those aged 16-24 agreed that the show had inspired them to get involved in charity bake sale fundraising.

In addition, a staggering 50% of 16-24 year olds are more likely to bake if it is to raise money for charity, while 73% agreed that raising money for charity is a good reason to do something they enjoy.

The findings are released ahead of the final of the Great British Bake Off which is due to air on Channel 4 on Tuesday, 30 October.

Bakers Kim-Joy, Rahul and Ruby will compete to be crowned the champion of 2018. The latest series has proved a ratings hit for Channel 4 with a consolidated audience of 8 million per episode.

Across the general population of the UK, nearly a quarter of people (23%) have taken part in a bake sale in the last 12 months with 1 in 7 (15%) of us claiming cakes taste better when they are baked for a good cause. Amongst 16-24 year olds the figure is higher at 32%.

Research published by CAF in 2015 found that bake sales helped raise an estimated £185 million for charities in the previous year.

Susan Pinkney, head of research at CAF said: “Charities can thank the Great British Bake Off for inspiring young people to get involved in bake sale fundraising.

“It is overwhelming to learn that so many 16-24 year olds are more likely to bake if it is to raise money for charity.

“We wish the best of luck and happy baking to all the young bakers raising much-need funds for our much-loved charities.”