Volunteers Working Around the Clock to Distribute Flowers for Daffodil Day
Thousands of daffodils are flying out the door at the Hawke’s Bay’s Cancer Society, as volunteers and courier drivers
work around the clock distributing fresh flowers ahead of Daffodil Day.
Hastings based Fastway Couriers has been making the region’s daffodil deliveries free of charge for several years.
Fastway Couriers Regional Franchisee Dave France says he is heartened to once again be part of the fundraising appeal.
“All 11 delivery vans will be on the road for two full days from 5am to 5pm delivering 600 bunches of daffodils to
brighten up the office spaces of 190 local businesses.
“Our local courier drivers will be doing 80 more deliveries a day than usual. Being such a perishable product the
daffodils need to be delivered the same day and we strive to ensure they get there on time and in the best possible
quality.”
The two-day job is a huge logistical undertaking that has become a labour of love for the hundreds of volunteers who
help to make it all happen.
Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society General Manager Trudy Kirk is extremely grateful for all the voluntary help.
“The ordered blooms go out in bright blue sleeves and look as pretty as a picture. The Cancer Society is a non-profit
organization that receives no direct government funding so we rely heavily on the generosity of those who donate both
time and money, and every year Hawke’s Bay volunteers exceed expectations.
“We wouldn’t be able to make all these deliveries without Fastway Couriers sponsorship as it would be too costly.”
“The daffodils arrive in the masses and are set up in the meeting room where our volunteers sort them all into bunches.
I have to say we’re not the only ones working overtime - the air conditioning unit definitely cranks into gear too to
keep every bloom in tip top condition”, said Mrs Kirk.
“Daffodils are such a powerful symbol of hope, they symbolise the beginning of spring, a new season and new growth which
sits very well with the hope we provide; to get people through their cancer treatment, out the other side of it and
hopefully on with their lives”.
Thomson Suits menswear store has been supporting daffodil day for as long as managing director Angus Thomson can
remember.
“I always look forward to our annual daffodil delivery in Hastings, it’s such a worthy cause to get behind. We order at
least four bunches and proudly put them out on display around the shop to brighten everything up.”
Last year’s Daffodil Day in Hawke’s Bay raised $150,000 toward funding vital cancer services in the area. Mrs Kirk is
hoping this year will see a repeat.
“I feel very privileged to work for a charity that is so well respected, this week always unearths the most amazing acts
of kindness and sadly you don’t have to go far to find someone who is closely affected by cancer.
“It’s important for the public to know how much their generosity means to us, to everybody that not only gives their
time but also puts money in the buckets on the day, a huge thank you.”
ENDS