Cancer Society’s ‘Daffy Dips’ hit NZ ahead of Daffodil Day

A group of friends braved the chilly waters of Lake Dunstan in Clyde on Saturday, taking part in the “Daffy Dip” event in support of Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day. It was the first time the fundraising challenge had been held in New Zealand, taking inspiration from similar Daffodil Day dip events in Australia. Daffodil Day falls on Friday, August 28, with the “Daffy Dips” one of many Daffodil Day events popping up around the country this year. Leading the plunge was team captain Maria De Cort, the Cancer Society’s senior communications adviser and one of the campaign’s organisers, who had rallied three of her close friends to take part in the day’s challenge. "It’s just another fantastic way people to support the cause and fundraise, and it’s very fun,” she said. The team, made up of Alexandra, Cromwell and Clyde locals, set an initial fundraising goal of $500, which was swiftly surpassed, and have so far raised nearly $1000. With her birthday later in the week, Mrs De Cort said in lieu of presents this year she would be thrilled if people donated to the cause. "I wanted to do it (the dip) straight away. How could you not? It’s such a good cause, and it’s something that every single person is affected by one way or another." "I’m very fortunate I have such wonderful friends to do it with me. We’re all first time daffy dippers together,” Mrs De Cort said. One of Mrs De Cort’s friends taking part in dip, , Bronwen Townsend, said hthe group was “charmed and persuaded” by Mrs De Cort and could not think of any reasons to say no. “It’s good for you, getting out here. You can see how important this is for so many, and just really happy to be a part of it." None of the women dared test the water beforehand, deciding to head straight in altogether, hand in hand. Coming out of the water, first words were "freezing”, “very fun”, “fresh” and “very invigorating”. “Supporting and being there for one another is a big part of this, as it is for anyone going through a cancer journey,” Mrs De Cort said. For Christina Martin, one of the dippers, the day carried personal significance, having recently lost her aunt to bowel cancer, and close family friends lost their son to cancer. "This is something that affects everyone. Everyone knows someone who has gone through it one way or another,” she said. The group is already set to do it all again next year, “bigger and better”, Mrs De Cort said. She said she was very proud of her friends, and give thanks to all those who have supported their cause.