Ford dealers join nationwide Daffodil Rally fundraiser
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Ford New Zealand and its dealer network are getting behind the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand’s annual Daffodil Rally, with fundraising events taking place around the country throughout August.
Money raised through the campaign will support the Cancer Society’s patient transport service, which provides free trips to and from treatment appointments for cancer patients.
Participating dealerships are hosting vintage car displays, donation drives, car shows, rallies and other community events from Northland to Otago.
“The Daffodil Rally is a highlight on the vintage motoring calendar, and it’s a privilege for Ford New Zealand and our dealers to get in behind the Vintage Car Club and help the Cancer Society again this year,” said Annaliese Atina, Ford New Zealand, Managing Director.
“Our dealer partners have shown incredible generosity and creativity in how they’re getting involved, and every dollar raised will go directly towards helping cancer patients get to the care they need.”
From Model A to Mustang Dark Horse
Ford New Zealand will host its own miniature Daffodil Rally at its Ellerslie head office on Thursday, August 27.
In exchange for a Cancer Society donation, visitors and Ford staff will be able to take a ride in one of three very different cars.
The line-up comprises two restored 1930 Ford Model As and a new Mustang Dark Horse, bringing together opposite ends of Ford’s motoring history.
The event will be held at Ford’s office at 650 Great South Road, Ellerslie.
Events around New Zealand
Most of the regional activity will take place over the weekends of August 22-23 and August 30.
Capital City Ford is sponsoring the Daffodils Motor Show at Brewtown in Upper Hutt on August 22. The show runs from 10am until 1pm, with the dealership also providing a coffee stop for rally participants.
In Ashburton, Gluyas Motors has two vintage cars and a specially themed Mustang on display. Its local Show ’n’ Shine will be held at the Ashburton Vintage Car Club on August 23 from 11am until 2.30pm.
Christchurch dealerships Avon City Ford and Team Hutchinson Ford are displaying vintage cars and collecting donations. Five separate rally groups will converge on the Vintage Car Club grounds at McLeans Island for a public display and barbecue from midday on August 23.
MS Ford in Nelson has four vintage cars rotating through its showroom during August. It is also supporting a Show and Shine at Nelson Speedway in Richmond on August 23, featuring food stalls, music and raffles.
Pacific Motor Group will host a fundraising run from its dealership to Dargaville on the same day, including prizes for the best-decorated vehicle and best Ford.
In the lower North Island, Ruahine Motors will take part in a vintage drive to Onga Onga following a public display from 11am until 1pm. It will also donate $500 to the cause.
Wanganui Motors is supporting a “Scatter Run” starting from the local Vintage Car Club rooms at midday. Participants will follow clues around Whanganui, with the highest-scoring vehicle winning the event.
Other North Island activities include a Show and Shine with Ingham Ford Taupo, a vintage showroom display at Fairview Motors in Hamilton and fundraising initiatives at North Harbour Ford.
The Ultimate Motor Group will take part in Tauranga’s local rally and donate $50 for every new or demonstrator vehicle sold across its three dealerships during September, aiming to raise $2500.
Dunedin City Motors will serve as the start and finish point for its local Vintage Car Club run on August 23. Food trucks, coffee, raffles and a prizegiving are planned, along with a separate fundraising quiz night.
Regional Ford in Gore is collecting donations throughout August and will support the local rally at the Gore A&P Showgrounds on August 23.
South Auckland Motors will round out the month’s events by supporting the rally at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple on August 30. It is also donating to the Cancer Society for every customer test drive completed during August.
Details of the regional events and participating dealerships are available through the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand.
