Dannevirke: Daffodil Day blooming good cause

Dressing the window in Faith on Dannevirke's High St, Shirley Walker, left, the Tararua field officer for the Cancer Society and Gabrielle Schmidt. Photo / Christine McKay

Shirley Walker, the Tararua field officer for the Cancer Society, is hoping for fine weather and sunshine to bring out the daffodil blooms for Friday's annual Cancer Society appeal.

"But I can't control those things and people are wonderful and bring in whatever daffodils they have for volunteers to sell on Friday," she said.

This is the 25th year of the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day appeal, with Charlotte the little grey bear on sale along with other merchandise.

"All the money raised here stays here and we do need the help," Mrs Walker said. "However, I realise we are in a recession around here and at the moment I'm very much aware money is going to be short, so I'm very grateful for what we do get."

Mrs Walker said the need for support is growing every year.

"There's a big demand and in our rural area, people are needing more help every year."

Last week, the Dannevirke Floral Art Society decorated the window of appeal sponsor ANZ, while Mrs Walker and designer-girl Gabrielle Schmidt worked on turning the window of Faith on High St into a vision of golden yellow. "Gabrielle has the vision, I'm just the gofer," Mrs Walker said.

Sandra Haycock is the co-ordinator for Daffodil Day in Dannevirke.

"It's all go," Mrs Walker said. "Sandra has everything running to plan, we just can't do anything about the weather and the blooms."

Daffodil Day raises awareness of the impact of the disease in New Zealand and the appeal can't be held without volunteers.

"It's not melodramatic to suggest their support has helped save lives," said Cancer Society chief executive Claire Austin.