Fundraiser a hit around the town
Daffodil Day gets total support from volunteers and local businesses
Each year, the last Friday in August is the Cancer Society’s annual fundraiser Daffodil Day Street Appeal. “Last year we couldn’t hold the event due to Covid restrictions, so it was exciting to plan for this worthwhile cause on Friday, August 26,” says Kathy Keighley, a local organiser of a Daffodil Day fundraiser.
This event takes weeks of preparation through delivering silk daffodils, pens and donation boxes to various businesses to have them available on their counter.
“We try to get that out, close to the first of August,” says Kathy.
The day before Daffodil Day they go picking daffodils and volunteers help bundle them into bunches of 10. Kathy and her team also receive daffodils from the Cancer Society that are presold to businesses around town, and they deliver those.
Cloth daffodil masks were made by volunteers from the Taoist Tai Chi group.
On the day stalls are set around town at the Warehouse, supermarkets, Caroline Eve and LJ Hooker.
Many of the volunteers who sat at the stands commented on how frequently those in the community donated money and did not want a daffodil or pen in return
Kathy Keighley, a local organiser of a Daffodil Day fundraiser
“LJ Hooker are extraordinary with their support and their employees sit outside their business and sell as much as they can,” says Kathy.
Kathy’s granddaughter, Sophie Howse, 10, was a part of a fundraiser held at Po¯ kuru School, where students dressed up in yellow. She celebrated daffodils with her school today by dressing up.
On Thursday afternoon Sophie and her mother Erin Howse helped deliver pre-paid bunches to businesses in the rain. Erin says that it was “so much fun”.
Joining in on the yellow funfair were Kathy’s dog Connie and her grandson, Max Howse, 12.
“Many of the volunteers who sat at the stands commented on how frequently those in the community donated money and did not want a daffodil or pen in return,” says Kathy.
Looking to next year, Kathy is hoping to have more fresh daffodils donated, as “they are sold very quickly”.
“It is also wonderful to see people walking around the streets
with a bunch of daffodils — it’s a nice day, regardless of the weather,” she says.
Kathy gives thanks to the “many volunteers, the Cancer Volunteer Support Group, businesses, clubs, rest homes and members of the public who all so generously gave their time, fresh daffodils — which are a big part of the day, and of course your cash donations”.
She is on the lookout for someone to bring in fresh ideas to this cause in Te Awamutu. If this is you, contact her at kathykeighley@gmail.com.
If schools are looking to take part in Daffodil Day, contact the Cancer Society and they will send young people the appropriate merchandise.
This year Te Awamutu Primary was a sea of yellow for Daffodil Day and they were more than happy to support the Cancer Society, raising $663.40.
The Waikato Veteran, Vintage and Classic Car Club also raised over $4000 to be donated to the Cancer Foundation.
It is one of 36 VCC branches throughout New Zealand that partake each year and the Cancer Foundation is very appreciative.
There will be more coverage of the Waikato Veteran, Vintage and Classic Car Club Daffodil Day Run in the September 29 edition of Driven.
“Representing Waipa¯ King Country with proven experience and ability.”
Barry worked in Waipa¯ for 20 years as general manager National Fieldays.
He is chairman of the Waikato Regional Council after being a regional councillor since 2017; Barry has also been finance chairman since 2019.
Barry is also a member of AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee and the past executive director Regional Development Board.
“I am committed to being the voice of Waipa¯ King Country around the regional council table and representing your concerns. My prior seniority and credibility in council will assist. Through my experience as general manager of Fieldays and as a member of the AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee, I have a strong understanding of the agricultural sector and the connection with rural communities.
“I also understand the challenges of growing towns throughout Waipa¯ King Country. My approach is to work closely with your district councils, as the Waikato Regional Council can only achieve the best outcomes for your communities if it works closely with your local councils. By living in the Waipa¯, I will be able to more effectively connect and hear community views.
“While it is important to address our climate challenges, the rate of change needs to be measured and practical. We need to ensure our region has an appropriate response to Wellington directives, we also need to improve connections between our rural and urban communities via strong transport links.”
As finance chairman, Barry says he has strived for lower rates rises, and as a councillor, led projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Council without adding cost. Customer service is a key area for improvement.
“I offer broad experience, sound judgment, and innovative solutions.”