2 November
Waikeria Prison is appealing to the public for daffodil bulbs on behalf of prisoners to grow for the Cancer Society's annual appeal on Daffodil Day.
The initiative has come about after the prison’s volunteer coordinator became aware that the local Cancer Society was looking for more growers of daffodils to support the annual appeal as last year they were short.
The bulbs are needed for prisoners who participate in gardening projects in prison to gain new skills and help them give back to the local community where possible.
“When I approached prison staff and prisoners, they said that they would be keen to grow the flowers for this worthy cause, provided it was done with donated bulbs, that we could in turn donate to the Cancer Society,” says Volunteer Coordinator Nadine Allen.
“The hope is that the public response will result in a good amount of bulbs for the prisoners to plant and grow. In August next year the flowers will be cut for the appeal week and donated to the Cancer Society.
“In addition to assisting the Cancer Society this project will give prisoners the opportunity to give something back to the community. This can help their rehabilitation by teaching them new skills and give them a focus, which helps others.
“Prisoners are often involved with helping national community organisations and events, such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and White Ribbon Day, for which prisoners have made bow ties and ribbons to donate to these causes and help assist with the national appeals.”
Donations can be made to Kainga Aroha Community House, 301 Bank Street, Te Awamutu, open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
For enquiries contact Nadine Allen on (07) 872 6641 or alternatively Kainga Community House (07) 871 6506.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
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