This Daffodil Day, we want to shine a light on the incredible Cancer Society accommodation facilities across New Zealand. These “homes away from home” provide vital support for people undergoing cancer treatment and their families. They offer a safe and comfortable place to stay near hospitals, along with emotional support and a sense of community.
At CrestClean, the Cancer Society is close to our hearts. We are inspired by the incredible work they do and proud to support them this Daffodil Day. Their work makes a real difference, and we’re honoured to have one of our cleaning teams at the Canterbury Cancer Centre, playing a part in providing a safe space for people affected by cancer.
The Canterbury Cancer Centre opened in September 2023, rebuilt after the original centre was destroyed 12 years earlier in the Christchurch earthquake. Spanning three floors, the centre features communal kitchens and lounges on each level, creating a warm, homely atmosphere.
South Canterbury franchise owner Navjot ‘Navi’ Kaur and her team care for the Canterbury Cancer Centre five days a week, making sure it’s clean and welcoming for everyone who stays there.
Facilities Manager Hannah Godfrey oversees the accommodation and works closely with Navi and the team. Even though Navi’s team has only been working at the centre since December 2024, Hannah says they’ve already become “part of the team.”
“The team are really sensitive to everything that’s going on. They’ve become the familiar faces that our clients get to see every day,” she says.
For patients travelling from as far as Nelson or Otago, a friendly face can make all the difference to their day.
Hannah finds it hard to single out a moment where the team has gone the extra mile because, in her words, they simply “do it all the time.”
“If there’s anything extra that we need done, we can reach out to Navi and know it’ll be done straight away,” she says.
Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s biggest fundraising event of the year. The funds raised support vital research into cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, and allow the Cancer Society to continue providing essential services, including accommodation, counselling, and peer support. With limited government funding, everyday Kiwis make a huge difference by donating.
Every contribution helps brighten the lives of those affected by cancer and ensures accommodation facilities like the Canterbury Cancer Centre can continue their important work.
Kiwis can support Daffodil Day by donating online at daffodilday.org.nz
No matter how big or small, every donation makes a difference.
