Go yellow for Daffodil Day and fight cancer
The Cancer Society is putting out a call for support this Daffodil Day, to help in beating cancer.
On Friday 31 August over 12,000 volunteers will take to the streets around the country as part of New Zealand’s largest street appeal.
Every dollar dropped into their collection buckets, donated online or in any ANZ branch, will be spent on supporting New Zealanders with all types of cancer and helping prevent future cancers through vital research.
Now in its 28th year, Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest annual fundraising event. The money raised allows the charity to provide practical support to those affected by cancer — patients as well as wha¯ nau and friends.
The organisation’s CEO Mike Kernaghan said volunteers were committed, rain or shine, to help the country unite against cancer.
“Many of them have their own personal story and wear their daffodil, not only as a symbol of hope, but to remember the loved ones they have lost to cancer,” he said.
“When someone hears that they, or a loved one, has cancer it is devastating. The impact of a diagnosis can be farreaching.
“There are often so many unanswered questions and so much to consider that it can be overwhelming for everyone involved.
“Thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders on Daffodil Day the Cancer Society can step up with practical and emotional support.”
Since the service began in 2007, the Cancer Society’s free information helpline (0800 CANCER) has had over 90,000 calls, and its staff of cancer nurses have spent over 4,200 hours providing support and advice.
The organisation provides accommodation close to all major hospitals and last year it provided over 49,000 bed nights.
Donations help fund services such as petrol for the volunteer driving service available to cancer patients. Last year, volunteers drove over a million kilometres getting patients to treatment, making over 19,000 trips and transporting over 4,700 patients.
Mr Kernaghan said the organisation is committed to reducing the incidence of future cancers through its health promotion activities and is the largest charitable funder of cancer research in the country, however, despite this commitment to providing needed support to people affected by cancer it receives no direct government funding.
“When you put your money in the bucket on Daffodil Day, you might not be a researcher or scientist, but you are actively taking part in ground-breaking cancer research and supporting a person with cancer,” he said.
“Our donors can be very proud of the impact they are having in their own communities. Thanks to their support the Cancer Society is in your local area every day helping educate people through health promotion programmes such as SunSmart schools and providing cancer prevention initiatives.
“Cancer affects one in three Kiwis. The cost and impact of this is evident in almost every aspect of our community. By coming together as a nation on Daffodil Day, and raising much-needed funds and awareness, we can help beat cancer together.”
The Horowhenua branch of the Cancer Society will be out in force around Levin on Daffodil Day, with nine stalls planned and a full roster of volunteers. They are looking for any donations of fresh daffodils from the local community, which can be dropped off at Winchester House, 112 Winchester St, Levin ahead of the day, or call 367 8065 to arrange to have them collected.
There will also be a merchandise stall in Levin Mall on Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 August.
Monetary donations can also be made at any ANZ branch or online at www.daffodilday.org.nz