Sponsored: Marlborough turns yellow for Daffodil Week

Adrienne Matthews

For decades, armfuls of bright yellow daffodils have been one of the most familiar sights of Cancer Society fundraising in Marlborough, but this year there is a problem: there simply aren’t enough of them. This means Cancer Society Marlborough is having to buy in much of its supply for Daffodil Day, dramatically reducing the amount raised from every bunch sold. When the Cancer Society has to purchase the flowers it sells, only a small amount from each bunch remains as fundraising income.

Locally donated blooms, on the other hand, can turn almost the entire value of the bunch into support for Marlborough people affected by cancer.

Despite this year’s unfortunate local shortage, the day will go ahead with as much enthusiasm as ever. Cancer Society Marlborough General Manager Pippa Hatton says every contribution matters. “We’re a very small team, so we simply couldn’t do any of this without local people getting behind us,” she says. “With Daffodil Month already under way, there are plenty of opportunities to help.”

Blenheim businesses can order fresh daffodils for free delivery on Tuesday, August 25 or Wednesday, August 26. Bunches of 10 are $10, while bouquets of 30 flowers with greenery are $50. “Any extra donations businesses or individuals can give this year will be much appreciated,” Pippa says. Business orders close on Friday, August 21.

The Marlborough Vintage Car Club is once again supporting the cause with its popular vehicle display at Brayshaw Park on Sunday, August 23, with entry by gold coin donation. “We’re very grateful to its members for once again putting in the time and effort to make it happen,” says Pippa.

Daffodil Day itself is Friday, August 28, with collectors stationed at sites throughout Marlborough on both Friday and Saturday. More volunteers are still needed.

Local businesses are also finding their own ways to support the cause.

Picton’s Seabreeze Café will hold a special $35 breakfast on Friday, donating $5 from every meal sold to Cancer Society Marlborough.

More FM will be at Pak’nSave Westwood from 11am to 1pm on Friday with its fundraising Spin the Wheel, live radio crosses and prizes donated by local businesses.

On Saturday, August 29, Allan Scott Bistro will host a Daffodil High Tea from 3pm to 5pm. Tickets are $40, with half the ticket price donated to Cancer Society Marlborough. Fresh daffodils can also be pre-ordered for collection at the event.

That evening, ANZ will host a Believe It or Not Quiz Night from 7pm, providing another chance for people to turn an ordinary night out into support for the appeal.

Schools and early childhood centres throughout Marlborough are also holding their own fundraisers, giving children and families an opportunity to take part.

The annual Cancer Society cake raffle is running throughout August, with $5 tickets available at local supermarkets. The cake has again been created and donated by the Marlborough Cake Decorators Guild.

Behind the flowers, breakfasts, raffles and collection buckets is a serious purpose.

“All money raised locally stays in Marlborough to help us provide care and practical support for people affected by cancer,” Pippa says.  “We receive no government funding, so local support is what allows us to keep doing the work.”

Anyone with a substantial quantity of daffodils available for picking is asked to contact Cancer Society Marlborough as soon as possible at [email protected].

Businesses can order daffodils at daffodildayflowers-marlborough.org.nz

To volunteer, contact [email protected]

Bruce keeps Daffodil Day moving

For 15 years, Bruce Dick has spent Daffodil Day doing a job most people never see.

While collectors are stationed around Marlborough, Bruce is on the road making sure they have everything they need.

On the Friday morning, he loads his vehicle with bunches of daffodils and other Cancer Society merchandise, then begins a circuit of collection sites around Blenheim and as far as Renwick.

There can be at least 10 stops to keep supplied, with busy sites phoning when their flowers are running low. “I rotate around them continually,” Bruce says.

By the end of the day he will have travelled at least 100 kilometres, keeping buckets full and helping pack up tables and chairs once collecting finishes.

The flowers are gathered at a central point where volunteers trim and bunch them.

“There’s a vast amount of work behind the scenes,” Bruce says.

His own reason for continuing is simple. “It’s something I can do just to put back into the society, for something good.”

After 15 years, he has also seen how strongly Marlborough responds. “Most people have been affected by cancer, either within the family or people they know,” he says.

“It’s something positive that everybody can get behind.”