New teddy bear for Daffodil Day
Just in time for Daffodil Day, a cute collection of speciallydesigned teddy bears adds another member to its ranks.
Wearing blue ‘‘scrubs’’, Florence, named for Florence Nightingale and as a tribute to the tireless health professionals who treat cancer patients at Palmerston North Hospital, joins 12 other teddy bears designed by the Manawatu Cancer Society’s Faye James.
James has a reputation as a tireless fundraising innovator. She was largely responsible for introducing New Zealand to Relay for Life from Australia in 2000. New Zealand’s annual 24-hour event began in Palmerston North and then went nationwide.
For the past 13 years, James has been designing teddy bears now sold nationally as part of Daffodil Day, which takes place on the last Friday of August.
‘‘It was [another] idea I pinched from Australia,’’ James said.
‘‘Their bear is called Dougal, and he’s the same every year. We have a different one each time.’’
Starting in 2004 with Alfred, James has designed a new bear for each subsequent Daffodil Day among them Missy, Dudley, Honey and Daffodil Dan. Some were named at random; others for real people.
In 2014 came George, named for Prince George, and last year, Charlotte.
In various colours and wearing a range of clothing, the $10 bears have become eminently collectible.
She has designed bras for the Heartland Lions Bra Artz and a collection of the wearable arts undergarments was hanging at Central Districts Cancer Society HQ in Addis House.
The Addis House colour scheme was also James’ concept.
As for the bears, she said they ‘‘were a bit of fun’’ and added an element of colour and comfort to what was often a stressful time for patients and their families.
‘‘Each year, the Cancer Society delivers a bear to every cancer patient in Ward 23 during the week [of Daffodil Day].’’
The local Daffodil Day appeal raised $140,000 in 2016 and James is hopeful of at least matching that total. The 2017 Daffodil Day merchandise also includes a large scale vehicle daffodil that can be attached using a cable tie.
Complementing the street collection, the Manawatu Standard has joined with the Cancer Society in a retail window dressing display. A number of central city and Terrace End businesses have entered the competition, to be judged on August 27.