Growing support for Daffodil Day
Fonterra’s Lichfield site in the Waikato recently partnered with their local Cancer Society to plant thousands of daffodils, helping to raise funds to support those battling cancer this Daffodil Day.
When the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society Waikato and Bay of Plenty faced a shortage of daffodils ahead of their annual fundraiser, Fonterra’s Lichfield site stepped in to help.
A team of 40 volunteers planted 3,000 daffodil bulbs along the entrance to the Co-operative's site, which sits in the heart of the Waikato. The flowers will be harvested and sold for the Daffodil Day fundraiser on Friday 29th August.
Fonterra Lichfield Environmental Advisor, Matthew Pim, says partnering with the Cancer Society was a natural fit for the site. “With one in three New Zealanders receiving a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, it’s something we were more than happy to support.
“We wanted to help our local Cancer Society raise funds and continue their incredible work, supporting the people and their whānau battling cancer.
“It’s fair to say there is a collective pride in knowing we are doing something that will positively impact the local community,” adds Matthew.
Proceeds from the daffodils grown on Lichfield’s site will stay within the community, helping local families. This includes transport to and from cancer treatment, accommodation at Cancer Society lodges for those receiving treatment away from home, and support services for people fighting cancer.
We wanted to help our local Cancer Society raise funds and continue their incredible work, supporting the people and their whānau battling cancer.
Cancer Society CEO for Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Helen Carter, says the Cancer Society relies heavily on the generosity of communities.
“The support of Fonterra and the wonderful team at Lichfield means we will have daffodils to harvest and sell on Daffodil Day, helping thousands of cancer patients access free support when they need it most. We are excited to see this relationship flourish and perhaps extend to other sites around our region.”
“Volunteers are at the heart of the Cancer Society – we simply could not do what we do without them,” says Helen. “The Lichfield team’s warmth, willing hands, and laughs go a long way to offsetting the shadows and sadness of cancer.”
Daffodil Day is on Friday 29 August in 2025, but you can get involved any time in August. Find out more about how you can support here.
Fonterra supports communities through its Doing Good Together programme, focussing on three pillars: putting good quality nutrition in the hands of those who need it most, providing care and support to keep rural communities strong, and empowering communities to protect and restore nature for future generations.