Pop-up selling hope by the bunch
Op-shop treasures and merchandise also help to swell charity coffers
The Cancer Society’s posies of hope are now available at $5 a bunch in a Hastings pop-up shop. Due to the nationwide lockdown, this year’s Daffodil Day collections were cancelled for the second year in a row, forcing spring flowers off the street and into stores.
“Our daffodils are a way of raising awareness, as well as a symbol of hope and a form of remembrance for people who have passed away,” said Pip Taylor, fundraising and events co-ordinator for Cancer Society NZ.
The society’s pop-up shop is operating out of the old Suzelle Lingerie store on Heretaunga St West.
Saturday is the last day for the store, which boasts op-shop treasures alongside Daffodil Day posies and merchandise.
“Our great team of volunteers are instore now, bunching up the daffodils and making them beautiful,” Taylor said.
“The pop-up shop gives us a chance to sell more of our stock. We’ve got about 300 flower bunches to sell by Saturday, as well as lots of other goodies in store.
“We’ve got masses of clothes, shoes and books here.”
The society has been overwhelmed by the community’s support and generosity despite the lockdown complications, with about 700 daffodil bunches already preordered by local businesses.
“It’s been slower this year in terms of funds raised but there are still more and more people coming in,” Taylor said.
“We’ve also got plenty of cool merch, including Dick Frizzell hoodies and T-shirts in-store.
“It’s also great because this way we can include sustainability in our initiative, by decluttering people’s cupboards and selling second-hand items.”