Daffodil Day: Rotorua restaurant owner donates curries to volunteers

The owner of Rotorua’s Indian Star restaurant Ray Singh has been donating curries to Daffodil Day volunteers for the past 15 years. Photo / Supplied

For more than 15 years, Ray Singh, the owner of Rotorua’s Indian Star restaurant, has been giving back to his community.

Each Daffodil Day, Singh donates servings of his signature curry to feed the volunteers collecting for the Cancer Society.

What started as a simple gesture has become a cherished tradition - volunteers now look forward to returning from their collection rounds to a hearty meal, a cuppa, and a kōrero in the Cancer Society’s lounge.

“I just wanted to give back to the community,” Singh said.

“We earn from the community, and it feels right to help in return - especially for a cause like cancer, which touches so many.”

Singh and his team had also set up Daffodil Day stalls outside the restaurant and placed collection boxes on the counter.

“Last year, even the team’s tips went towards the cause. It’s something we’re proud to be part of.”

This year, Singh planned to expand the offering.

“Not everyone’s into curry, so we’ll be adding pizza from our Italian kitchen, Urban Gusto, too - something for everyone.”

The Cancer Society said Singh was a perfect example of how local businesses could get involved in ways that suited them.

Rotorua fundraising events specialist Tracey Curry said this kind of generosity was “what keeps our work going”.

“It’s not just about writing a cheque — we know times are tough. It’s about finding your own way to give, in a way that works for your business.

“Ray’s curry is now a part of Rotorua’s Daffodil Day story.”

This year, the Cancer Society was encouraging Bay of Plenty businesses to “paint it yellow” by decorating their premises, donating a portion of sales, or hosting a fundraiser in the lead-up to Daffodil Day on August 29.

Curry said one in three Kiwis would face cancer in their lifetime.

“By painting your business yellow, you’re showing that no one has to face it alone — and that our communities stand together with hope and support.”

Singh hoped other Rotorua businesses would get behind the cause.

“It doesn’t matter if your contribution is big or small ... We’re a small town, but if we all do what we can, it makes a big difference.”

To sign up as a volunteer, visit the Daffodil Day website.

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