Hundreds of eggs, 70 loaves of bread, an unmentionable amount of flour, and a myriad of other ingredients await the Daffodil Day ladies preparing for this year's surge of Daffodil Day luncheon supporters on August 31.
Leading the charge is co-ordinator Mary Dettling and Patricia Houghton, who manages luncheon pre-orders. Mary admits to a moment of panic every year before the big event, but having been involved with Daffodil Day now for 12 years, she says they are not easily fazed.
Each year they have a host of home bakers, volunteers who help on the day, and many who donate ingredients, but they do not keep tabs and thus do not know until the day what they have in store.
"In the hall there will be a choice of soup, sandwiches and home baking. That we know. We just keep on baking. If we feel we are short, we bake the Thursday night. Every year is different; what we do depends on what comes in. But, it all works out, every time."
Patricia, who has been involved since 2002, says they feel no need to change their system.
"It is what you make of the day."
Mary and Patricia say they were both just "pulled in", but seeing the difference the Cancer Society makes they stayed on. Patricia since had a family member die of cancer, which brought home the value of their effort.
You can help by donating baked goods and buying a lunch, merchandise and raffle.
Businesses can pre-order lunch boxes; $10pp, to be in by 4pm August 28. Phone Mary at (06) 762 8660 or Patricia at (06) 765 5507. The luncheon is on at the hall 11.30-1.30, just turn up with $10 cash. Those wanting to support the cause by donating home baking can drop it off at the hall on the Thursday, August 30, 11.30-1.30. "Everything will be welcome," says Mary, there is no need to pre-arrange. Raffles are $2 each, available at Moss, Rocard and Smith in Stratford.