Reving the engines for annual Daffodil Day fundraiser

Annual Daffodil Rally open to all! Hoping for a record-breaking turnout this year, the Nelson Vintage Car Club is set to host their annual Daffodil Rally in support of the Nelson Cancer Society on Sunday August 20. A nationwide event, run through 36 branches of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand with approximately 10,000 members, the Nelson contingent commences at the Speedway on Lansdowne Road with the gates opening at 11.00am for registration before setting out at 1.00pm on a cou-

Nelson Vintage Car Club Car Rally

ple of routes, which this year will have a more urban flavour encompassing Tahunanui, Nelson, Stoke, Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield and Redwood Valley. The idea is to encourage greater opportunities for spectator participation along the run routes, says co-organiser Ray Robertson. This is the 6th Daffodil Rally to be held by the Vintage Car Club and the event is not limited to vintage cars or club members. “There are a lot of different car clubs in the Nelson Tasman region covering all manner of makes and models. The idea of the event is to capture those clubs, along with members of the public, to collaborate for a successful fundraiser but to also have a thoroughly enjoyable rally.”

“What makes this run different is anyone can join the run, even the everyday driver. This eclectic mix of vintage, classic American, onemake cars, 1950 or 60s, in fact any vehicle of any persuasion all running the same route is very special. There is no criteria for vehicles or drivers, other than the vehicles have to be road legal and drivers must be licensed.”

Unfortunately, we are all affected by cancer in some way or another, says Ray, and the team want to raise as much as they can for the Nelson Tasman Cancer Society. “Every cent raised goes to them and helps pay for travel, treatments, a range of support services.”

“Over the years we have had the honour of taking terminally ill patients for a drive in our vintage cars, pre- rally. They have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it has made for some significant moments for us. There is one memory in particular which will stay with me forever. A young woman, 26 years old, who had undergone a double mastectomy. She came for a drive with her 8 year old son. He wound down the old school window and couldn’t figure how to get it back up again as it was a manual. I asked her if she was ok, not to cold, and she closed her eyes and said she didn’t mind the cold but just wanted to feel the wind on her face. It was a very humbling moment.”

Centre Manager for the Nelson Cancer Society, Michelle Hunt, says the team are forever grateful for the support they receive from the event. “The Nelson Vintage Car Club organisers do such an amazing job every year. The put a lot of effort in to make sure a fun day is had and we really appreciate all the hard work. We have 500 clients that we support every year, and 240 are newly-diagnosed in the region. The funds raised help us to provide counselling services, rehabilitation, yoga and gym programmes, as well as reaching out to our clients in the rural sectors. Over half of or clients live rurally and it is important we are able to reach those who don’t have immediate access to the care they need. Donations also help the team to continue supporting working families.”

“Around 40% of our clients are under 60 so therefore still of working age. It can be hard for them to continue to work while receiving treatment, which puts so much extra strain on family, especially if they are the main breadwinner. Donated funds ensure we are able to help out with provisions in a range of different ways.” The rally participants have raised over $30,000 for the Cancer Society over the last few years but we are keen to make this a record breaker this year. Ray says registration and indemnity forms are to be filled out upon arrival, prior to parking up.

Registrations for the event cost $20.00 and include a route guide and two complimentary raffle tickets.

“There are two routes; one for the older slower vehicles of 60km and a longer route of 80km which will take ap-