A joint initiative between Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council and Lodge Real Estate will see a vibrant new space created in the CBD to acknowledge those who have been affected by cancer.
Over the winter months, there will be a densely planted field of daffodils growing in Hinemoa Park (Hamilton)] and Sculpture Park (Te Awamutu) set to bloom in time for Daffodil Day at the end of August.
The fields will be known as Memory Meadows and are coming to fruition thanks to principal sponsor Lodge Real Estate who have made generous donations towards the bulbs and associated costs so far.
Locals are now encouraged to contribute by buying daffodil bulbs, with all proceeds going to Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
With a target of 10,000 bulbs in each park, the Memory Meadows will make for a spectacular public display come spring, but its success is heavily reliant on contributions from members of the public.
Bulbs can be purchased online with the option of also participating in a community planting event on Sunday 7 April (Hamilton) and Sunday 14 April (Te Awamutu).
Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty CEO Helen Carter says the Memory Meadows will be very special destinations within the community, where people can visit to remember a loved one or to honour the journey they’ve been on.
“The vision for the Memory Meadows is that they will be an impactful, visual spectacle but we’re relying on the public now to make the magic happen and bring this vision to life. With 74 people in New Zealand diagnosed with cancer every day, this is an issue that touches us all – some more directly than others.”
“The more bulbs donated, the more the Cancer Society can do for the people of our community who are going through the heartbreak of cancer.”
Funds raised from Memory Meadow will help the Cancer Society provide crucial free services to people with all forms of cancer and their whaanau, including emotional and practical support such as accommodation and transportation to and from treatment.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate says “I love this! I am happy that Council can support this, by providing and maintaining the site at Hinemoa Park, along with contributing daffodils for this special purpose. Come spring, the community will have a beautiful, dedicated space to honour the courageous journeys of those who have battled cancer, and to remember their loved ones. Daffodils represent a symbol of hope for all people affected by cancer.”
Principal Sponsor Lodge Real Estate is donating $5000 directly towards bulbs, in addition to many other forms of support for the new initiative.
Managing Director Jeremy O’Rourke says Lodge has been a proud supporter of Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty for several years.
“Our team get behind Daffodil Day every year, taking to the streets to collect donations and help raise awareness of the outstanding work the Cancer Society does in our community.”
“We’re thrilled to be the principal sponsor of the Memory Meadows to help create a permanent space – a legacy of sorts – for people in our community who have been affected by cancer. I encourage others to get behind this initiative to help Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty continue to provide those crucial services, especially as cancer rates continue to rise across New Zealand.”
To donate bulbs for the Memory Meadow, please visit www.memorymeadow.nz.
