Dig deep for Daffodil Day

DAFFODIL DEVOTEE: Fiona Harker, from Tauranga, with baby Olivia, 9 months, at the gardens.

With Daffodil Day approaching, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society is asking the community to dig deep for the event's 25th anniversary celebrations on August 28.

Since it was introduced as a nationwide event in 1991, Daffodil Day has become one of new Zealand's most recognisable campaigns, and the Cancer Society's biggest fundraiser.

The annual appeal runs for the month of August and involves thousands of volunteers and many events across the country, culminating in a street collection on the last Friday of August.

FLOWER CHILD: Abigail Harker, 4, surrounded by daffodils at The Looking Glass Garden, in Te Puke Quarry Road. Photo/supplied

"Every donation received from our Daffodil Day appeal will stay in the region and continue to help people in our local communities," said Maria Low, spokeswoman for the Cancer Society's Waikato/Bay of Plenty division.

"The Cancer Society receives no direct government funding, so we rely on the generosity of the community to help us provide our services."

The past few weeks have already been busy with Daffodil Day activity, including the presale of over 3200 bunches of fresh daffodils to businesses in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Lakes areas. Various organisations have also registered to hold Daffodil Day fundraising events throughout the month of August.

"It's great to see so many local businesses, schools and clubs already getting behind Daffodil Day and fundraising for us," said Ms Low. "With one in three New Zealanders affected by cancer, this is a cause that's close to many people's hearts."

Ms Low said volunteers were also vital to the success of Daffodil Day. "We're extremely grateful to receive the support of over 700 volunteers in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty for Daffodil Day each year."
"Giving your time and skills as a volunteer is a great way to support us.

DAFFODIL DEVOTEE: Fiona Harker, from Tauranga, with baby Olivia, 9 months, at the gardens.