Cycling and shaving for cancer
Daffodil Day began early for a group of Taranaki cyclists - at 5.30am.
About 30 people got on their bikes for the Work and Income Cycle of Hope, a 200km ride around Mt Taranaki to raise funds for The Taranaki Cancer Society’s big day, which has a $10,000 target.
After gathering at the Work and Income office on Devon St West before dawn, they set off at 6am on Friday to ride through Okato, Opunake, and Manaia before stopping about 10.30am at the Work and Income office in Hawera for morning tea.
Cyclists then headed to Ngaere School where students met cyclists outside with a welcoming song, participant Kim Jansen said.
‘‘It really perked up our spirits because we were battling some headstrong winds before,’’ the Inglewood man said.
After a lunch break at the Stratford War Memorial Hall on Miranda St, the cyclists made their way back to the start location for a 4pm finish.
‘‘It was good to get involved,’’ Jansen said.
In another fundraiser Tracey Blake, regional sales manager of NZME, had her head shaved at the Taranaki Base Hospital cafeteria.
Blake had hoped to raise a couple of thousand dollars but did not make the goal, instead raising $280.
She said even a couple of dollars would help.
Blake said she had seen what cancer sufferers went through first-hand with friends and while she was next to the cancer ward when her daughter was in Starship Hospital.
‘‘We saw a lot of kids and we saw a lot of families.
‘‘It gives you a new perspective on it really. It affects all of us.’’
All the money will stay in Taranaki for the Taranaki Cancer Society, who were at the event along with The Hits Taranaki.
Taranaki Cancer Society centre manager Meg Rodel said people taking part in events like head shaving was ‘‘crucial’’.
‘‘I think also that they are heartwarming stories. They highlight the fact that cancer touches so many people’s lives and that people want to do something to support the Cancer Society other than just make a donation.’’
She said Daffodil Day was the Society’s second largest annual fundraiser.
‘‘The support that we offer isn’t only for patients. It’s also for families. It could be a whole family for example that wanted counselling; it might be individually or as a group. We would do that for them.’’
Blake said she felt ‘‘okay’’ after losing most of her hair.
‘‘It’s good, it’s okay. I did it for my friends.’’
But Blake didn’t do it just for her friends, she said.
‘‘I wish other business leaders in the community would do it as well.’’
Meanwhile Hawera was (almost) painted yellow when the Smith brothers of the Normanby and Districts Lion’s Club were back for their 21st year of selling daffodils to raise money.
Bizlink Hawera held a ‘Daffodil Day dress up competition’, which saw businesses in their best yellow attire, and Olives Pantry had baked mini daffodil cupcakes throughout the week, then held a buffet breakfast with The Hawera Club.
Fun Ho! Toys in Inglewood hosted a sausage sizzle, while lunch and merchandise were available at the War Memorial Centre in Stratford and the Stratford Eltham Rugby Club held a children’s disco.
Manaia and Oakura also held stalls.