Hip hooray, it's time for Daffodil Day!

MEDIA RELEASE
Embargoed to 24th August 2007

Hip hooray, it's time for Daffodil Day!

Spring has finally announced its arrival with the brightly coloured daffodils now in full bloom. As well as giving us a feeling of renewed hope, the arrival of these cheerful flowers also mark the build-up to an event that has been capturing the heart of New Zealanders for 17 years – the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day (Friday 31st August).

Over 7,000 dedicated volunteers and hundreds of keen employees from the Cancer Society and its principal sponsor, The National Bank, will be out in force on a street near you this August.

In the build-up to this iconic national event, street collectors, flower couriers, fund-raisers, event organisers, and enthusiasts get involved. It's all for a worthy cause - to help the Cancer Society to continue with its essential and life-saving work. Tens of thousands of dry and fresh daffodils are ready to be distributed to street collected and businesses during that week.

With 1 in 3 New Zealanders affected by cancer, the Cancer Society are sadly a busy lot. Which is why it's all the more important we dig deep in our pockets at this time of year; after all without our donations they couldn't exist.

The organisation says the money stays in the community it's given in, so your donation will be used to provide free services to people affected by cancer in your area, whether that's emotional support, practical assistance or advice.

But Daffodil Day is about much more than raising funds. You'll often see the people involved on the day in high spirits, donning their Cancer Society vest, or in bright yellow fancy dress. That's because Daffodil Day is as much about people having fun together, and a symbol of hope, as it is about fund-raising.

37 year old breast cancer survivor, Pollyanne Taare, has been a Daffodil Day volunteer for six years. Pollyanne, a mother of two children, is now a Health Promoter for a breast cancer organisation. She was moved to get involved following the support she and her family received from the Cancer Society's Rotorua and Gisborne centres during her recovery. She says:

"It was incredible. You don't know just how good the service is until you need it, I would have been lost without the support of the Cancer Society.

"So many people are affected by cancer, and I get a huge sense of achievement from giving back, helping a good cause and raising awareness."

There are many ways to Donate this Daffodil Day: Call 0900 31111 to make an instant $20 donation from your phone account, Text "dday" to 883 to make a $3 donation, donate online at www.daffodilday.org.nz, or look out for our street collectors / householder envelopes. Businesses can also help out by buying bunches of daffodils from their local Cancer Society displaying a collection box on their reception.

Daffodil Day 2007 also marks the launch of the new website. Lots of features have been added including a merchandise area, where you can order some lovely Daffodil Day gifts, an easy and secure online donation form, or you can watch the TV Commercial and listen to our radio appeals.

To get involved, contact your local Cancer Society division, or hop into the website.

ENDS

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