Daffodil Day, the Cancer Society’s flagship fundraising day, is on 31 August this year and Kāpiti businesses and organisations are invited to get creative and join in the spirit.
Kāpiti Daffodil Day Coordinator Janie Walker says the local Kāpiti community has always been very generous in their support of Daffodil Day. “Most of us have stories about cancer so it’s a day that connects us all. Times are tough but people still have time and resources to give.”
Many of these people volunteer their time for the street collection. Some are in businesses that fundraise by buying fresh daffodils or merchandise. Or, as Ms Walker says, some are getting creative. “I talked to a business last week that wants to do a photography exhibition that celebrates life. There are pot luck dinners being organised, daffodil cupcakes being sourced and a count-the-daffodils stand I’m having fun cooking up ideas with people. It’s not too late for a business or group to start.”
Ms Walker says pre-schools and schools who fundraise may get a visit from Zena the Daffodil Dog, her Golden Labrador, who has been especially recruited for the cause. Her first confirmed visit is to Castle Kids Pioneers in Waikanae Beach. Although, Pat Cumming from the Kāpiti Community Centre isn’t sure about having a rival Daffodil Dog to her beloved Chagall. “I think there’s room for two Daffodil dogs!” says Ms Walker. “Who knows, maybe people want to nominate their own dog to help fundraise.”
Last year Daffodil Day raised four million dollars nationally. The Cancer Society relies on this income stream to provide supportive care for patients, their carers, whanau, family and friends; fund research; provide information about the ways to reduce the risk of cancer (Smokefree, SunSmart, healthy lifestyle) and publish and provide resources and programmes for patients and medical professionals.
Judy Dickie, Cancer Society Kāpiti Coordinator says the organisation’s advocacy role is a vital one that not everyone is aware of. “We work closely with groups like the Cancer Control Council at a national and political level to advocate for cancer patients and their families in order to achieve the best possible outcomes,” says Ms Dickie.
