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Nelson is at the centre of a global aid initiative that has the city and world buzzing with purple-themed fundraisers.

Thousands of people in more than 20 countries are supporting Purple Cake Day today to raise funds for children in Haiti, Kenya and Nepal.

Purple Cake Day is the initiative of the Kenbe La Charitable Foundation, founded by Nelson woman Emily Sanson-Rejouis after she tragically lost two children and her husband during the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

In its third year, the charity is aiming to raise $100,000 to help fund children's education in developing countries, which the foundation believes is the most important focus for reducing global poverty.

Many classrooms and businesses around Nelson have embraced the global cause and are celebrating Purple Cake Day today.

At Hardy Kids early learning centre there is a purple theme with dress-ups, purple playdough, balloons and cupcakes.

To fundraise, the centre has a gold coin "guess how many purple lollies are in the jar" competition, and a purple-decorated baking sale.

Class photos were also being offered to parents, with all proceeds donated to Purple Cake Day.

Teacher Sue Tutty said the children were visited yesterday by Purple Cake Day ambassador Jane Morrison, who had visited Kenya, and shared her experiences, and discussed global inequality with the 3 to 5-year-olds.

Paula's Preschool, in Tahunanui, was having a similar purple-themed day of activities and fundraising today, and Mrs Sanson-Rejouis' daughter, Alayana, will be selling cupcakes in the CBD with her Montessori schoolmates.

Elsewhere around town expect to see builders and McDonald's staff wearing bright purple shirts, and do not be surprised when students from Nayland College take to Trafalgar St to perform a traditional Kenyan dance and skit at 2pm.

Some local fundraising efforts started early, with Nelson College already raising more than $1200 through a purple mufti day. Nelson's Fa'avae family, now living in Queenstown, have committed to raising $3000 by cycling the 150 kilometre Otago Rail Trail.

Purple Cake Day has also inspired fundraising efforts from further afield, including Haiti, Nepal and Kenya, the countries destined to receive education assistance from the foundation.

Mrs Sanson-Rejouis said Purple Cake Day had received unprecedented support from Nelsonians, New Zealanders and the global community.

"I feel proud and inspired knowing that together we are connecting and celebrating children around the world and creating a brighter and more educated future for children in need."