The fundraising campaign organized by the Greerton Lions on Friday’s afternoon did not achieve the expected success; not because the donors were not generous enough, but because of the rain.

As a result, only $3 million of the targeted $4.2 million could be collected, which was the amount needed to rebuild Hamilton’s the Cancer Society Lions Lodge. This Lodge worked as a home for more than 600 patients of those coming from around the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel regions to receive cancer treatment at the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre.

Treasurer Bill Reeves said, "You do have to keep thinking of ideas, and we have to keep raising funds for our own club too as we put a lot of money into the community. So we are really doing two lots of fundraising".

The treasurer attributed the decline in the funds to the rain, in addition to the timing. He stated that having the fundraising event just a week after Daffodil Day affected the amount of money raised. However, he added that he was still pleased with the results.

Ballance Agri Nutrients provided fertilizer bags, each of which costs around $5 when sold.

The accommodation would be crucial for the patients and their families, therefore, several participants in the community made sure to attend despite the rain.