Growing support, one daffodil at a time
Thousands of daffodils are blooming across Fonterra manufacturing sites as teams come together to support Cancer Society this Daffodil Day.
What started as an initiative at Fonterra Lichfield last year has grown into a larger effort, with four other sites joining forces this year to grow daffodils to help raise funds for cancer support.
More than 40 volunteers from Fonterra's Lichfield, Waitoa, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu and Whareroa have planted more than 7,500 daffodil bulbs, with the bright yellow blooms now beginning to appear across the sites.
With one in three New Zealanders expected to face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, it's a cause that the team is passionate about.
Lorren Hawkins, Fonterra’s Senior Relationship Manager, says it has been rewarding to see the initiative grow into a wider effort.
"Like so many people, cancer has touched my friends and whānau, so this is a cause close to my heart.
"I'm incredibly proud to work alongside so many colleagues who are willing to give their time and make a difference when it counts. It's a real sense of pride knowing our efforts will help the Cancer Society continue their incredible work supporting people and their whānau affected by cancer."
As the daffodils come into bloom, local schools and Farm Source stores are helping to sell buckets of daffodils to raise awareness and funds, while volunteers continue to support harvesting and transporting the flowers.
Cancer Society’s Partnership and Engagement Manager for Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Tracey Wood, says Daffodil Day is about the community coming together.
It's a real sense of pride knowing our efforts will help the Cancer Society continue their incredible work supporting people and their whānau affected by cancer.
“We're incredibly grateful to Fonterra, the volunteers, and everyone supporting this initiative. It's wonderful to see what started at one site grow into something much bigger, and we're looking forward to seeing these daffodils bloom across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
“We know that one in three New Zealanders will get cancer in their lifetime, and the money raised through Daffodil Day helps us continue being there for local Kiwis and their whānau when they need us,” she says.
Funds raised through Daffodil Day help support local families affected by cancer, including transport to and from treatment, accommodation at Cancer Society lodges for people receiving care away from home, and support services for patients and their whānau.
Daffodil Day is on 28 August. You can get involved and support the Cancer Society at any time. Find out more about how you can help here.