iN PHOTOS: Vernon woman bakes unique and amazing birthday cakes for children in isolation

While no one is thrilled to be stuck in isolation, the current social distancing orders are particularly difficult for children celebrating birthdays.

While some Kelowna and West Kelowna residents came together to provide birthday parades for kids, these celebrations were disbanded April 1 due to directives from both the federal and provincial governments to stay home. 

Elaine Nixon is the owner of Grama's Goodies, a small custom cake business in Vernon.

To her surprise, she has experienced an up-tick in orders during the pandemic, primarily for children's birthdays.

"Parents feel like their kids can’t have big parties right now, so they want to do whatever they can to make it as special as they can," Nixon said.

An order she received recently stands out as her biggest challenge, but one of her favourite stories.

When a mother reached out to Nixon to recreate one of her daughter's drawings on a cake, Nixon was apprehensive at first.

"I thought, I don’t know if I can recreate what her daughter can draw," Nixon said. "I took a deep breath and I told her mom, I’m gonna do my best to get this right."

The cake was a huge success, as the girl loved the re-creation of her own character, which she calls "Rainboots."

"I just thought it was a really nice, unique way to honour your kids and their talents," Nixon said. 

"I loved doing that cake."

As the pandemic continues, Nixon is getting orders from grandparents sending cakes to their grandchildren, and even birthday cakes for adults.

Because no one is able to celebrate by going out to dinner or gathering with friends, people are doing what they can to make their loved one's birthday unique and fun, Nixon said. 

If you live in Vernon, you can order a custom cake for contactless pick-up by getting a hold of Nixon through the Grama's Goodies Facebook page here.  

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