Annual Daffodil Day Collection This Week

The first Daffodil Day collection for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty branch of the Cancer Society was organised in 1989 by Jenny Edwards, founder of the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Group. Since this time Jenny has continued to organise the collection every August for nearly 30 years. In previous years the collections have been so successful and the community so generous that the Mercury Bay community consistently raised the biggest collection amount in the region. 

Our district is remote from major hospitals and oncology support, and is home to the highest number of residents in the 65+ age group in NZ. As the susceptibility to cancer increases with age, the Mercury Bay Cancer Support group is regularly called upon to help patients and families with a cancer diagnosis. With the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 in the mix this year, the Cancer Support group feels that 2020 is certainly the year for us all to dig deeply.

Duff Oliver, Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Chairman

Daffodil Day Collection 2020

Fast forward to 2020 and Jenny has retired but is still vital as a life member of the Mercury Bay Cancer Support group which became a registered Charitable Trust in 2017. Trustee Ann Mulcahy is now in charge of coordinating the Daffodil Day collection which involves over 60 volunteers from Kuaotunu in the north to Hahei in the south with Whitianga the collection hub.

You will see volunteer collectors throughout the Mercury Bay on Friday August 28th – please give generously. Go to the All About Whitianga events and community pages for Daffodil Day Mercury Bay collection points and more details about the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust. 

About the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Cancer Society 

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Cancer Society supports those with cancer in these regions with funding, monthly visits by support nurses and the provision of free of charge accommodation at the Cancer Society/Lions Lodge in Hamilton as well as hospital visits and practical support. This includes facilitating meetings for cancer sufferers and their families in conjunction with local support groups such as the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust.

The Trust is privileged that together with the Cancer Society, local medical professionals - including experienced district nurses and a highly trained Waikato Hospice nurse - we are able to help residents live well and with integrated professional support, through their cancer journey.

Jenny Edwards, Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Fundraising

The Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust fundraises throughout the year via the Daffodil Day collection and through its popular second-hand book shop in Whitianga. The book shop is generously supported by locals and visitors and fully staffed by volunteers led by trustee Anne Pendray as shop manager.