Since the first Daffodil Day in 1990, the yearly rate of cancer incidence has doubled, and it’s expected to climb further.

That’s why the Cancer Society is asking New Zealanders to dig deep this Friday (August 28) during the annual street appeal, when there will be lots of opportunities to help support the Cancer Society’s work.

Wanaka local Meetu Sakhlani is the Wanaka area coordinator for Daffodil Day 2020.

She told the Wanaka App there will be seven stations around Wanaka on Friday where members of the public can purchase daffodil pins, fresh flowers, teddy bears and paper lanterns, all in support of the Cancer Society’s work. 

The stations in Wanaka include the Wanaka Lakes Health Centre, the post office, Pembroke Patissiere in Albert Town, Mitre 10, both New World supermarkets, and Paper Plus.

(If you’re able to help by managing one of these stations, call Meetu on 021500311).

People can also purchase tickets for the raffle, which this year will be drawn 30 times - for each year Daffodil Day has run. 

“Local businesses have really got behind the raffle this year and supported it, and we have some fun prizes,” Meetu said. 

Mount Aspiring College students have been distributing raffles door-to-door, but the raffles will also be available at the stations in Wanaka on Friday.

There are other ways to show your support for Daffodil Day, for example by wearing yellow. This year, as well as the public, four local preschools will be taking part by wearing yellow on Friday, Meetu said. 

Additionally, throughout the month of August, for any custard square purchased at Pembroke Patissiere one dollar will be donated to the Cancer Foundation, and for any ‘fish of the day’ main course purchased at Kota three dollars will go to the Cancer Foundation.

Acting chief executive of the Cancer Society (Otago and Southland division) Bob King said 60 Kiwis find out they have cancer every day. 

“With demand for the Cancer Society’s services increasing, support is needed more than ever. Daffodil Day symbolises hope and inspires communities to come together to support people living with cancer,” he said. 

Donations help to raise awareness of cancer in New Zealand, support patients with cancer and their families, fund lifesaving cancer research, and help reduce the incidence of cancer for our children and grandchildren.

Take part in person on Friday or donate and learn more at the Daffodil Day website here.

PHOTO: The Cancer Society