A Whitianga resident who once received help from the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Group is now gearing up for the Cancer Society's biggest annual fundraiser.

Ann Mulcahy was diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago, but for the last three years she's been working with Mercury Bay Cancer Support Group in the lead-up to the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society's annual Daffodil Day appeal.

Mercury Bay's Daffodil Day preparations are underway for August 29.

With this year's appeal just round the corner Ann's group is organisingfive stalls to be stationed throughout Whitianga township on Daffodil Day, on Friday, August 29.

Volunteers will be collecting at each site from 8am to 7.30pm, says Ann, who has been a Whitianga resident for 13 years.

'The cancer support group helped me in various ways throughout my cancer journey, from emotional support to helping me with travel expenses.

'Once I had improved I wanted to help; to give something back,” says Ann, who is one of 12 members offering support and assistance to feelow Whitianga residents living with a cancer diagnosis.

In affiliation with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society, the group offer support to people within the community when they need it most.

Support services vary from client to client but can include travel and financial assistance, supplying a night nurse so carers can rest, or having a friendly face to talk to.

The Mercury Bay Cancer Support Group has also run the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day appeal in Whitianga for more than 20 years, and has steadily grown the appeal each year.

'In the evening, volunteers dressed in daffodil hats will be visiting the local pubs, bars and restaurants jingling their fundraising buckets for donations on,” says Ann.

'We get a very positive response from those within the community; people give whatever they can.”

Cancer Society spokesperson Rachael Mounsey says when people donate this Daffodil Day they're donating to a cause close to home.

'People like to know that the money they give stays locally and assists those in their local community, we can give people that guarantee.”

Whitianga raises a huge amount for Daffodil Day each year – with more than $20,000 collected in 2013.

'There are many people within the Whitianga community that are affected by cancer or know someone that has been,” says Ann.

'We are such a small community that once one person is affected by cancer, the whole community is affected.”

Rachael says Daffodil Day is a well-known New Zealand campaign and people love to get involved.

'The Cancer Society receives no direct government funding so relies on the generosity of New Zealanders to operate.

'Every Daffodil Day we are overwhelmed at the generosity of communities in our region and we make sure that every dollar counts, minimising expenses and channelling every dollar possible back into free support services.”

Donations from Daffodil Day are relied on to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, whanau and friends, fund cancer research and provide the public with information on the ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart, healthy lifestyle.

Rachael says to donate to Daffodil Day, look out for volunteer street collectors who will be in and around town on August 29.

Alternatively people can make an instant $20 donation by phoning 0900 311 11 which will automatically be charged to your telephone account.

It's quick and easy to donate from your cell phone, simply text ‘daffodil' to 305 to make an instant $3 donation.

People can also donate online at www.daffodilday.org.nz