Thousands of dollars raised for talented Toronto baker battling cancer

A GoFundMe campaign launched for Aya, a Toronto baker and pastry chef known for her talent and commitment to her craft, has raised thousands of dollars as she faces a challenging cancer diagnosis. 

The fundraiser was launched by Kelsey Blackwell, Strategy and Creative Direction at Blackbird Baking Co., where Aya previously worked before joining Evelyn's Wholegrain Bakery. 

Back in April, Aya was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. According to the campaign, she began treatment immediately and stepped away from her baking duties to focus on her health. 

The fundraiser highlights her resilient spirit, quoting Aya in a recent post where she shared her diagnosis. "Here are my favourite bakeries," she wrote. "I promise their treats cure you and make you smile." 

Blackwell highlighted the close-knit nature of the city's food scene, telling blogTO, "The Toronto food community is incredibly generous; we all work hard and take care of each other, recognizing our shared collective effort and inspiration within the industry. In some cases, that care comes in the form of a special dish on the house; in this more serious case, supporting Aya financially during her treatment while she is unable to work." 

She added that "The response so far has been very positive, and we hope to encourage even more people to step up in support. We will be running the GoFundMe for as long as it takes, and we may organize more product fundraisers over the summer." 

Aya's recent employer, Dawn Woodward, owner and founder of Evelyn's, also shared heartfelt memories.

"Aya worked for Evelyn's for a year and it was just the two of us. She was the bakery DJ and had the most interesting and fabulous taste. Never met anyone with such wide-ranging tastes and so good at curating a playlist," Woodward said. 

"Her favourite bakery items were the mocha tahini date cake and the Kouign Amann. She really helped me dial in the lamination for the KA and improve my instructions of the formula. With her production training at Blackbird, she was incredibly fast and efficient," she added. 

"She was also the only baker I've ever hired who took notes and photos and was constantly taking home whole grain flours to bake with. I'm devastated by her diagnosis and hope this fundraiser can help her while she is unable to work." 

To further support Aya, both Blackbird Baking Co. and Evelyn's are holding a special fundraiser weekend from July 5-6. Each bakery will sell Aya's favourite treats, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to her care. 

At Blackbird, you can choose between chocolate corks filled with chocolate ganache and cocoa nibs, or the seasonal strawberry danish (or both). Evelyn's will also offer one of Aya's personal favourites, a sourdough mocha date cake. Pre-orders are also available, and donations can be made directly through GoFundMe. 

So far, the campaign has raised just over $11,000 out of its $20,000 goal. 

Blackbird Baking Co. has locations at 172 Baldwin St. in Kensington Market, inside the St. Lawrence South Market, and at 635 Queen St. E. in Riverside. Evelyn’s Crackers can be found at The Stop Farmers' Market on Saturday, July 5, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at their flagship bakery at 125 Jefferson Ave. in Liberty Village.