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Former Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Daffodil Day co-ordinator Kathy Keighley. Photo: Viv Posselt
Long-standing Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Daffodil Day co-ordinator Kathy Keighley has resigned, saying the time is right for “new blood” in the role.
“I’ve absolutely loved it,” she told The News last week, confirming she had stepped down as co-ordinator following Daffodil Day 2023 at the end of last month.
Daffodil Day, run by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, raises money to help support Kiwis affected by cancer.
“It has always humbled me how generous and supportive Te Awamutu and Kihikihi have been over the years. And I know the Cancer Society is aways grateful for what we contribute too.
“Cancer touches so many families, and the stories people relay to us of how cancer has affected either them – or someone they know – are always incredibly moving.”
In Te Awamutu and Kihikihi this year, more than 70 volunteers were involved – helping with everything from facilitating six stands, to then helping count donations.
Te Awamutu’s 2023 Daffodil Day total was $5114 – in a typical year about 5000 individual flowers, or 500 bunches of 10, were sold, Kathy said.
Going forward, Kathy confirmed she’s “very willing” to be involved in planning and helping facilitate future Daffodil Days however she’s needed – and even to help others grow in their respective roles.
“But, while I’m happy to continue doing tasks like picking daffodils or helping man stands around either Te Awamutu or Kihikihi on the day, when it comes to the role of co-ordinator, I’d just really love somebody to step in with fresh eyes and enthusiasm.”
Kathy said her preference is to see someone who lives in Te Awamutu or Kihikihi take up the role of co-ordinator, rather than future Daffodil Days being organised from out of town.
“One of my thoughts had been how cool it would be if say two people – maybe some friends or a husband and wife for example – got together as a team to co-ordinate it.”
And, as co-ordinator, Kathy said, the main task essentially involves acting as the key liaison between the Cancer Society and the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi communities in order to make Daffodil Day a reality.
“Being the co-ordinator has been a wonderful season of my life, I think it helps you build nice connections with an amazing network of people that you perhaps may not have otherwise had the chance to build.”
