Hawke's Bay towns painted yellow for Daffodil Day cancer fundraiser

Local artist Sophie Blokker wears the T-shirt she designed for Daffodil Day, a fundraiser for Cancer Society Hawke's Bay. Photo/Duncan Brown

Preparations for one of the largest fundraisers for Cancer Society Hawke's Bay is under way.

Daffodil Day is on Friday, August 25, and local towns are getting right behind the cause, with merchandise, buntings and super-sized daffodils planned to line the streets.

Havelock North Business Association president Milton Andrews said they wanted to put some vibrancy into the village while looking after a fantastic cause.

"I think it is one of the few fundraisers that everyone instantly recognises as cancer has affected most people in some way.

"For me personally I lost my dad to cancer when I was a young fella so I can totally relate to this day."

Mr Andrews said they would be turning the central roundabout into a Daffodil Day feature and they would be bringing back the "cars with a twist".

Local businesses would also be creating their own window displays and yellow buntings would be placed throughout the village.

"It is a fantastic thing for the village to get behind and support."

For the third time a T-shirt designed by a local artist will be up for sale and this year's shirt features a kiwiana theme drawn by artist Sophie Blokker.

Ms Blokker said she was pleased to be able to support the Cancer Society and wanted to incorporate some kiwiana around the daffodils.

"I think it was important to have some New Zealand flavour and I have never done something like this before so I was very happy to be asked.

"I think it is important to support local charities and I guess it is my way of helping people out in a small way."

Ms Blokker wanted to make people aware of the Cancer Society and felt these T-shirts were an effective way of doing so.

Cancer Society Hawke's Bay manager Trudy Kirk said Daffodil Day and Relay for Life were their two biggest fundraisers so it was important people got involved.

The society receives no government funding and relies on donations and these fundraisers so it can continue to support those affected by cancer.

"All the money raised stays local and it is what we function on. We offer all kinds of psychosocial care and support to patients and families living with and beyond cancer."

Ms Kirk said other CBDs were joining Havelock North by "painting the town yellow", with Taradale having balloons and Napier with their flower pot and super-sized daffodils.