There are certain immutable truths in life: accounts must balance, tax returns will always be due sooner than one thinks, and no office bake sale has ever resulted in a calorie deficit.
And so it was that last week, the team at Accountancy Learning gathered for one of our most noble pursuits — the company charity bake sale.
Now, you might imagine that accountancy professionals are too absorbed in spreadsheets and reconciliations to wield a whisk. You would, of course, be wrong. It turns out that the same attention to detail that delivers precise financial statements can also produce an excellent Victoria sponge.
The cause in question? Headway Devon — a local charity providing vital services for people with acquired brain injuries across Devon. You can learn more about their excellent work here.
For those unfamiliar, Headway Devon offers rehabilitation services, support groups, and outreach to individuals and families whose lives have been affected by brain injuries — whether caused by accidents, strokes, or illness. It’s life-changing work. And it just so happens that one of our own, Pete (a tutor here at Accountancy Learning), also volunteers for Headway Devon in his spare time.
Pete is the sort of chap who can explain capital allowances with one hand while handing out cake with the other. His involvement with Headway Devon gave this year’s charity bake sale an extra sense of purpose — and no small amount of friendly peer pressure when it came to bringing something suitably impressive to the table.
From Staff Meeting to Sugar Rush
Things kicked off with our usual company staff meeting — only this time with the irresistible lure of a well-stocked cake table. The aroma of home-baked goodies wafting through the office was enough to distract even the most diligent of learners from their practice assessments.
Once coffee cups were filled and cake slices distributed, we took our bake sale mobile — offering treats to students and local offices in our area. Rumours of a particularly fine batch of gluten-free custard tarts made the rounds, and before long, a steady stream of visitors was helping us toward our fundraising target.
An Impressive Total (and Possibly a Larger Waistline)
Thanks to the generosity of our team, students, neighbours, and anyone within a three-metre radius of a chocolate muffin, we’re delighted to report that the bake sale raised an impressive £515 for Headway Devon.
And, if we’re being completely honest, the chance to eat an inordinate amount of cake throughout the week also had a certain appeal. Mentioning no names (Carl), I do wonder if some may have had more cake than others…
About Headway Devon
Since 1997, Headway Devon has been helping individuals across the region to regain independence, improve quality of life, and rebuild confidence after brain injury.
Their services include:
- Day centres providing social activities, therapy, and rehabilitation
- Community support for individuals adjusting to life post-injury
- Specialist advice and information for families and carers
- Support for employers and professionals working with those affected
They rely on donations, fundraising, and volunteers (like our very own Pete) to keep this vital work going. If you’d like to find out more or get involved yourself, you can visit their website here.
In Conclusion (and Possibly in Need of a Nap)
At the end of the day, the Accountancy Learning Bake Sale was a fantastic success — raising funds for an excellent cause and bringing a little extra cheer (and sugar) to the office.
To everyone who baked, bought, donated, or simply supported — thank you. It’s moments like these that remind us that behind every spreadsheet is a person, and behind every cake stand, a community ready to make a difference.
Right then. Back to the numbers. Just as soon as we’ve finished off the last of the cupcakes.
Call us: 01392 435349
Email us: [email protected]
