Driver shortage poses threat to Daffodil Day

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Cancer Society of New Zealand's annual Daffodil Day fundraiser, but the bloom could fade in Tauranga due to a shortage of volunteer drivers.

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty division desperately needs help to deliver 1500 bunches of fresh daffodils to businesses in and around Tauranga.

Division fundraising manager Catriona Findlay said: "Come the week of Daffodil Day, we're going to have a lot of flowers ready to go out, and currently we have nobody to deliver them."

Volunteers were needed to distribute fresh flowers to businesses in Tauranga city and suburbs, including Papamoa and Mount Maunganui, on August 25 and 26.

Ms Findlay said the pre-sale of fresh flowers to local businesses formed a significant part of the Cancer Society's annual Daffodil Day appeal on August 28.

"Tauranga is the largest pre-sale area in the region. Last year, we sold 1600 bunches of daffodils to Tauranga businesses and this year we're expecting the number to be closer to 1800.

"But without volunteers to deliver the flowers, there's a real risk to this appeal," she said.

Ms Findlay said the Cancer Society relied on fundraising, donations and sponsorship in order to provide free services.

Daffodil Day

* It is the biggest fundraiser for the Cancer Society.
* Held this year on August 28.
* Volunteers needed to deliver blooms to businesses on August 25 and 26.
* All money donated in the Bay supports cancer patients in the community.
* To volunteer call Jo Matthews at the Cancer Society's Tauranga office on 07 571 2035 or email tauranga@cancersociety.org.nz