Four women, all with a cause, will band together this Daffodil Day to fundraise for Te Puke's Cancer Society.
On Friday, August 26, adorned with daffodils, Maria Moore, Marama Rice, Jerrie-Lee Ngareta Hill and Bridget McKinley will ‘March and Stand' for good causes on Te Puke's Jellicoe St.
'We encourage everyone to dress in yellow or brightly-coloured clothes playing the kazoo, banging tambourines and bringing awareness to this incredible cause while fundraising at the same time,” says Maria, who has been a Daffodil Day coordinator in Te Puke for the past two years.
Combining forces
'We're going to combine our causes and bring awareness and raise much-needed funds to support people living with cancer and their whanau,” says Maria. 'My partner Grant passed away December 2020 of bone cancer,” says Maria. 'It was terrible and very emotional for the family.”
Backing the fundraiser is Ms Woman of the Universe NZ 2022 candidate Jerrie-Lee Ngareta Hill, who is an advocate for women's rights, the Cancer Society and other community causes. 'My passion to help others comes from my own personal experience with hardships and loss in my past, so it was only fitting that I tautoko [support] this one,” says Jerrie-Lee.
Also showing her support is performer Bridget Mckinley, who stars in the variety show ‘Frocks & Diva's' movie. 'Tarnished Frocks and Diva's was originally put together by a tight-knit group of local dance mums who, having lost one of their close members to cancer, wanted to ‘throw a party, rather than wear black',” says Bridget. Just like that show, Bridget loves how events such as their ‘March & Stand' brings community together. 'Through supporting one another so much more is possible,” says Bridget.
Singer/songwriter Moone (Marama Rice) will perform her song ‘I am who I am' in dedication to her cousin Eva McGauley, who died of cancer aged 19. 'Eva was amazing and did amazing things for feminism, activism, philanthropy,” says Moone. 'She raised more than $70, 000 for Eva's Wish charity and for Wellington Sexual Abuse Help Foundation as well.”
Come along
Funds raised will go to supporting transport to cancer treatments, counselling for people and families affected by cancer, cancer research and other Cancer Society services.
There will be spot prizes, plus gift bags for best dressed, says Maria.
'Collectively, we'll make a stand, bring awareness, raise funds, and have a great day!” says Maria.
The fundraiser begins 11am on Friday, August 26, at Te Puke Memorial Hall, 130 Jellicoe St.