Daffodils – fascinating flowers.

They're a harbinger of spring, they're the national flower of Wales, dogs hate them, there are 25 varieties and a gift of just one daffodil is a precursor to misfortune.

Not for the Cancer Society though – the annual Daffodil Day Appeal aims to raise more than $4 million for life-saving cancer research, support services and prevention programs. This year's theme is 'For Someone I Know” – and by showing support for someone you know, you can help beat cancer and create a better future for one in three New Zealanders affected by cancer.

Daffodil Day has been an iconic event since 1990. 'And the Harbour City Lions have been involved in some way or another for 20 years,” says Lion Christine Currie.

This week the troops moved into the hall at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cameron Road.

'There were 35,000 daffodils in bunches of 10 from a supplier in Gordonton in the Waikato,” says Christine. 'And all to be re-bunched in bundles of 30 and tied with string and a thank you card attached.”

Collectors for the annual Daffodil day Appeal are on the street today.

All this after the 16 Lions had spent the morning sorting contributions to their annual Harbour City Lions Book Fair at Tauranga racecourse on the weekend beginning Friday, November 22.

Then after the Lions and other individuals had finished bunching the daffodils, groups like the Tauranga Vintage Car Club dropped by to pick up the flowers and deliver them to pre-orders at various businesses around Tauranga. A pre-order for daffodils means crucial funds for the cancer Society's annual Daffoldil Day Appeal and a step towards its dream for a cancer-free New Zealand.

Meanwhile the Lions are accepting books for their book fair and these can be dropped off at Mitre 10 in Cameron Road Gate Pa, Gilmours at Tauranga Crossing, Golf Warehouse in Chapel Street and Smith City at Bethlehem Town Centre. They would appreciate contributions of good quality, clean, readable books.