Annual Daffodil Day stock drive raises $55k for Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the annual Daffodil Day stock drive held at the Matawhero Saleyards near Gisborne has raised about $55,000 for the Cancer Society.

This year’s event on August 30 was the 26th edition of the PGG Wrightson-ANZ Annual Daffodil Day Sheep Drive, with farmers from across the region coming together to donate sheep for auction.

The event has become a cornerstone of local fundraising efforts since its inception in 1999, with the proceeds going towards supporting cancer patients and research through the Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society.

About 370 sheep were donated by farmers this year - 350 at the event and another 20 or so afterwards - despite the challenging times in the rural sector.?

The collaborative effort involves not just the farmers who donate, but also transport companies, stock administrators, agents and auctioneers, local businesses, and those who purchase the sheep - all contributing their time and resources to ensure the event’s success.

Former ANZ rural banker Andrew Woolfield dreamed up the idea, and over the past 26 years more than 8000 sheep have been donated, and more than $1 million has been raised for the Cancer Society.

"Many, many people give their time to this event - it's a very collaborative effort, everyone does their little bit, and we get a really good result out of that," Andrew said.

"It's a tremendous community, there's been a lot of natural disasters and things in recent years, and every time something happens they just seem to pull together - they don't want any great recognition or anything, they just get on and do that job - that's just part of this community here."

ANZ Agri Relationship Associate Michelle Hawea took over organising the event from Andrew after his retirement in 2020, and has expressed her gratitude for the continued support.

"This is the third stock drive I've been involved in - I pestered Andy to become a part of what he does shortly before he retired because I really wanted to pitch in and help out and make sure that it carried on," Michelle said.

"Our rural community here are so generous, they support each other, and they really stand up when they need to - even though it's not the easiest time for this community, which was smashed around so much by weather events in 2023.

"It's hugely satisfying to know that one day, if someone that I love dearly needs support from the Cancer Society, it will still be there and still be going, and that we've done something to contribute towards that."

ANZ has a long history of fundraising for the Cancer Society up and down the country, with fundraising totalling more than $24 million over the past 34 years.

PGG Wrightson East Coast Regional Livestock Manager Jamie Hayward said this year was a great result.

"We were happy with the prices on Daffodil Day - the last couple of years we've had a good number of sheep, however the prices have been flat, so $55k raised this year is fantastic, and we still have a few other stock donations coming," he said.

"A lot of people are really struggling - there's been hardship and tragedy in the community but people have rallied together - it's how we roll.

"People are very generous in this region, and they have been for years - I think the main reason the locals all get behind it is because the money stays local - everyone's been affected in some way."

The funds raised will go towards providing essential services and support for cancer patients in the region, ensuring the legacy of this event continues to make a positive impact.

Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society Fundraising and Events Coordinator Shay Podjursky said the outcome was "phenomenal".

"The impact that has on our community is massive - it allows us to help cancer clients and their whānau access treatment out of town, it helps us provide free counselling, massage therapy, art therapy, a whole lot of education around cancer prevention, and it also allows us to contribute to the Cancer Research Fund," she said.

"Our rural community is amazing - the last couple of years have been a bit difficult with the cyclone, we're still bouncing back, and yet here they are doing another massive donation."