By Times Team
Copyright times
East Auckland was awash with yellow as local schools threw their support behind the recent Daffodil Day, staged to help support the many Kiwis living with cancer.
The Cancer Society says one in three New Zealanders will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime and every day almost 80 Kiwis are told they have some form of the disease.
Daffodil Day is a chance for people to show their friends and family who are affected by cancer they’re not alone.
It’s the Cancer Society’s most iconic and much-loved fundraising campaign.
The generous support of New Zealanders on Daffodil Day helps cancer patients and their families get the care and practical support they need.
One of the east Auckland schools keen to show their support for Daffodil Day this year is Maraetai Beach School on the Pohutukawa Coast.
The school’s class councillors, led by Connor, worked with 499 other pupils and their families to raise more than $5000 for Daffodil Day.
The school says its class councillors showed incredible leadership and heart by coming together to raise funds and awareness for the Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day Appeal.
The initiative was sparked by Connor, who shared a personal connection after losing a family member.
His idea to mobilise the councillors quickly gained momentum, and soon the entire group was working together to make a difference, promoting and getting creative with ideas to have a mufti day with students invited to wear green and yellow and to stage a bake sale.
With the support of the wider school community, the councillors set out to raise both funds and awareness of the impact cancer has on families across New Zealand.
Their efforts were nothing short of inspiring, as the 499 Maraetai Beach School pupils worked to raise an outstanding $5,197.
The day was a true team effort. Many generous parents donated baking goods, while families and students also generously contributed gold coin donations.
Parents including Allie and Aimee went along to help alongside the school’s class councillors, who ran a hugely popular bake stall.
Principal Lou Reddy says the effort reflected the compassion and determination of the school’s young leaders.
“We are so proud of our councillors for leading this mahi. They’ve shown what can happen when young people take action for a cause close to their hearts.
“It’s a powerful reminder that our students can make a real difference as future leaders who care for others (manaakitanga).”
Maraetai Beach School would like to thank all of its generous parents who supported it with donations and also the following business sponsors for their generous support: EXIT Strategist, Ali Frame, Tasman Roofing, Pohutukawa Coast Vets, SCAFFOLD Connect, MAYfair Pools, Tyre Guard, Barfoot & Thompson (Maraetai and Beachlands), Dance4everyone, and MySplash.
The funds raised will go towards the Cancer Society’s vital work in cancer research, patient support, and education programmes.
Connor and his fellow councillors hope their mahi not only supports families currently facing cancer but also inspires others to stand together for causes that matter.
To see Maraetai Beach School’s fundraising page and support the cause further, visit: Maraetai Beach School – Daffodil Day Fundraiser.
Another local school that got involved with Daffodil Day also is Mellons Bay School.
Its pupils got dressed up in their best yellow clothes to show their support for Kiwis battling cancer.
They also displayed their creative flair by designing and creating images and artworks of daffodils.
Well done to all the east Auckland schools who supported such an important cause.
