"To many people, one special day might not seem like a big change but giving these people something to look forward to, a memory to look back to and also showing them that someone in society cares about them does make a big difference."

That’s the message from Consider it Cakes, an organisation which bakes and delivers free birthday cakes to people living in direct provision centres and emergency accommodation in Cork and Dublin. 

The brainchild of this initiative is Franciska Acs, 24, and her partner Darragh. 

"My boyfriend is from Cork and I am from Germany. Currently, we are living together in Dublin. 

"We started the initiative in the beginning of June in Dublin and only expanded to Cork recently," Franciska told The Echo. 

What started as a simple idea has grown exponentially in just a matter of weeks and Consider it Cakes is now hoping to launch in Limerick and Galway in the near future. 

"When we started this we never thought it would become so big. 

"I thought I would just bake one cake a week to make someone happy. 

"I was overwhelmed by all the love and support we received from everyone. 

"In three weeks the team expanded to 20 bakers in Dublin and many more wanted to join. 

"Currently, about 20 people are on a waiting list for Dublin. 

"In Cork, we have 30 bakers and 15 on the waiting list," she said. 

Franciska lauded the volunteer bakers, saying that Consider it Cakes would not be such a success without their help. 

"A little idea became a big one because of our amazing team. 

"Also, DPdonations helped us to find people to join the initiative. 

"We are planning to expand to Limerick and Galway soon and hope that in the future we will be able to spread happiness all over Ireland," she said. 

"We are truly overwhelmed by all the kindness of everyone who wants to get involved. 

"We are in a way 'delivering happiness' and when delivering cakes we make their day just as much as they make ours," Franciska added. 

All flavours of cakes are available and people can pick their favourite treats on top like fresh strawberries, marshmallows, biscuits or whatever they would like - which they otherwise might not be able to afford. 

Children also get a little wrapped present for their birthday, such as a stuffed animal or a book. 

The birthday treats are then dropped off at the direct provision centres or to the emergency accommodation of the recipient. 

"Every baker delivers their own cakes as it is very nice to see the reaction yourself after putting a lot of effort in making the cakes. 

"We are not entering the DP or shelters, however. 

"All bakers get the phone numbers of the birthday person and call them to come out of the centre to pick up the cake," Franciska explained. 

"Everyone has been so thankful and humble. 

"The reactions are priceless and since we started this initiative it has brought so much joy into our lives because we feel like we can really make a change," she added. 

Consider it Cakes is so much more than delivering a birthday treat, as Franciska explained. 

"Our cakes are a symbol and want to show people that we care about them. 

"Often, especially in Covid-19 times, these people have been forgotten or avoided by society. 

"'Not being welcome' at one place is a very terrible feeling and we want to show them that they are still valued and that someone cares."

Anyone who is homeless, asylum-seeking or simply cannot afford a cake because of their current situation is eligible to request a cake. 

You can visit 'Consider it Cakes' on Instagram and Facebook for contact details or for further information.