To say thank you to the army of volunteers, the Cancer Society's local co-ordinator of support services, Marie Wales, and new to the district support services liaison, Jess Staniland, organised an afternoon tea party at John Guthrie's 150-year-old Bendemeer homestead at Lake Hayes.
Otago-Southland Cancer Society CEO Mike Kernaghan drove up from Dunedin to meet the troops and find out how they did so well.
He was full of praise for the Wakatipu team's effort, and excited about the job he has been in for less than two months.
Daffodil Day has become an important sign of spring.
The cafes and businesses which catered for the thank-you party were delighted to be asked to take part and their contributions were appreciated and enjoyed outside in the perfect spring afternoon.
Patagonia's chocolate mousse cake and Walnut Cottage's carrot cake were almost too beautiful to cut into; Vudu Cafe and the Med Mart sent along stunning platters of fresh fruit and very fattening, moreish sweet slices, while Motogrill's banana bread and Provisions' gingerbread reminded everyone why it is so good being a Daffodil Day volunteer.
After all the cakes and sweet things, the platter of Amisfield chicken sandwiches was remembered and brought out and vanished in the way that truly delicious things always do.
The Cancer Society funds not just research and health promotion, but also a lot of practical support and information.
It can help with everything from counselling children whose parents have cancer to organising volunteers to help with housework and meals or even putting people with the same type of cancer in touch with one another for support.
It can also give people ideas on how best to help a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Cancer Society always needs more helpers. Right now it is looking for people who are handy with a sewing machine to make its supersoft bandannas and snuggle blankets for people undergoing chemotherapy. Contact Marie Wales on 03 442-7493 if you can help.
