Cause needs help in bucketloads

THANKS A BUNCH: Josie Savage, co-ordinator of the Wairarapa Cancer Society Daffodil Day, with buckets of donated daffodils brought in for bunching. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Only days out from the Cancer Society's 25th annual Daffodil day and the charity is in need of more yellow flowers to help fill their pre-sale orders.

Buckets of freshly-picked daffodils filled the Wairarapa Engine Rebuilders building on Dixon St yesterday while volunteers tied them into neat bunches.

But co-ordinator of the Wairarapa Cancer Society Daffodil Day Josie Savage said more flowers were needed as the weekend pickings hadn't been as plentiful as anticipated.

"The daffodils haven't really sprung this year and more would be greatly appreciated. They're in high demand, thanks to our great pre-sales and support from local businesses."

She said any daffodil donations could be dropped off at the Wairarapa Cancer Society centre, 140 Dixon St, Masterton, and she asked that flower stems be left as long as possible.

Centre manager Jeanine Gribbin said despite the shortage, the donated flowers received so far were of an "exceptional" quality.

She said there would be about 20 Wairarapa volunteers helping with the flowers in the lead-up to Daffodil Day on Friday.

Stalls selling daffodils would be set up around the region, she said.

Donations made throughout the nationwide fundraiser will stay within the community in which they were given and will go towards people living with cancer, scientific research and raising awareness.