Cancer Society SOS: Daffodils needed for fundraiser

A field of yellow daffodils under the clouds

Daffodil Day is coming up fast but the once sunny Gisborne may not have enough daffodils because of the continuous “weather events”.

It is an unprecedented situation for Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society as they prepare for their biggest fundraiser of the year — Daffodil Day on Friday, August 25.

Cancer society fundraising and events coordinator Shay Podjursky says she is sending out the SOS to anyone who may be able to help by donating daffodils.

“The ground is still particularly sodden and a lot of the places we use, we can’t even access due to the mud,” she said.

“Daffodil bulbs don’t really like being wet for this long, so while we are hopeful that a few weeks of sunshine and gentle breeze might encourage some good growth, we are now looking to source fresh daffodils from  alternative properties.”

The Cancer Society sells daffodils by the bunch from late July through to the end of August.

“Whether you have a patch or a paddock of daffodils to share with us, we would love to hear from you.”

Call Shay at 867-1795 or email shay.podjursky@cancercd.org.nz for more information or to offer you rsupport.

Daffodil Day supporter Julie Hollamby hopes there are people out in the community who can help.

“I have purchased the Cancer Society daffodils for the past couple of years. Besides this being a very worthwhile cause, it also brings hope and colour to our lives.

“Sometimes when you have cancer in your life you need a little bit of sunshine to brighten up the day, and these daffodils always help achieve that.”

Funds raised from Daffodil Day help the Cancer Society provide support and care for individuals and their whānau as they navigate life with and beyond cancer, as well as providing ongoing education to the wider community in an effort to lower the prevalence of the disease in the district.

Fundraising efforts will help transport clients to their treatment, assist with food and travel costs, and provide massage treatments, counselling and individualised support from a trained support worker.

Last year, Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society sold more than 15,000 stems.