Driving Miss Daisy

1 March, 2012 Te Awamutu Courier features Carolyn Cox (Cambridge Daisy)

Our Cambridge Daisy Carolyn Cox had a great article written in the Te Awamutu Courier last week introducing her services to her area. Here's to having a little bit more of the Central North Island area covered in daisies! 

22 February, 2012 Upper Hutt Driving Miss Daisy celebrates their 2nd birthday

Upper Hutt Franchise Owner Lynda Moore and one of her drivers Bruce celebrated their Franchise's 2nd birthday with one of their original clients June Carrol. 

"She is so happy at my success"

13 February, 2012 Beth Bullin launches - Manukau Courier

Manukau's Beth Bullin had a fantastic article published in the Manukau Courier this month introducing her new service to the Manukau area - great to see Age Concern in Manukau welcome Beth as well - great publicity.

10 February, 2012 Pat outside Westgate, Auckland

Pat Pothan, one of our new Franchise Owners in Hobsonville had her car at the Westgate Shopping Centre yesterday, drawing a crowd and creating a lot of interest - what a way to introduce yourself to the area Pat!

2 February, 2012 South Canterbury Herald - Daisy spreads sunshine

26 January, 2012 The Hastings Leader - a reported spends a morning in Daisy with Josie

21 December, 2011 Vibrant Hutt features Upper Hutt win in Dec/Jan 2012 issue

 Check out this link to see the full write in the Vibrant Hutt Dec/Jan 2012

30 November, 2011 Sheryl gives a presentation to Asthma Hawke's Bay

25 November, 2011 The Hastings Leader says Thanks a Bunch Josie!!

Congratulations to Josie, one of Sheryl Ivory's Hastings Drivers, who received this wonderful nomination from Carol O'Connor who's Mum Ngaire is a regular client of Driving Miss Daisy Hastings.  The nomination was sent to a local Hastings publication called "The Leader" who have a colum called "Thanks a Bunch" where outstanding deeds are noted, the winner receiving a lovely bunch of flowers.  Here are Carol's kind words:

"I wish to nominate Josie, from the Hastings Driving Miss Daisy service, for being so wonderful for my Mum, Ngarie Hinder, who resides in the Gracelands Retirement Village.  Mum always uses Driving Miss Daisy but the other day she was unexpectedly delayed when she went to The Medical Centre & needed a few extra medical tests.  Josie was so concerned that she hadn't heard from Mum that she especially drove to the Medical Centre to make sure she was OK. Thank you Josie & Sheryl for providing that extra help.  It gives Mum & us assurance that she is "just not another number in the system" & that there are caring people out there."

23 November, 2011 Lynda Moore - Hutt Valley Westpac Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award Winner 2011

We were extrememly proud to learn that on the 16th November 2011, it was announced at a Gala Dinner, that our Upper Hutt Daisy - Lynda Moore had won the Upper Hutt Westpac Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award.  A fantastic and well deserved achievement for Lynda who is pictured here receiving her award.

20 September, 2011 Great Quake Escape Charity Auction

Jacqui Stewart out Cashmere Daisy has been contracted by ACC to transport Summer Olliver (23) who was crushed in the Feb 2011 Earthquake in Christchurch.  Here is Summer's Story:

I’m Summer and on 22 February, 2011, I was still alive, with 6 tonnes of steel beam on my back for 6 hours after the 6.3 magnitude Earthquake hit in Christchurch. Near the end of my ordeal, after several broken jacks and calls of “you won’t get her out”, they (fireman and builders) finally managed to hoist virtually the whole PGC building a quarter of an inch off me for a second, and pulled me out.

I was told I would never walk again, however, I have recently been released from hospital on crutches but still have no feeling in my right foot and extreme chronic nerve pain in my feet and areas of my legs that I’m learning to manage. I had surgery on my pelvis so I wasn’t allowed to weight bear and in total was on bed rest for 12 weeks. In this time I lost muscle function and am having to learn to walk again. I was lucky to have my mum with me everyday and most nights while I was in hospital for the 18 weeks. She was the best support. 

During my time in hospital I became very aware that others have suffered too. There were 6 other Earthquake survivors who were also in hospital for more than 3 months that I got to know well. I noticed they all had family members, like I did, children in particular, who faithfully visited and supported these dearly loved injured ones in hospital. Their lives are too, changed forever. My siblings had to carry on without mum and I, and it was almost as if they had to put their lives on hold until I was better and we were home.

I have had so much support and appreciate everything that was done for me by family, friends, hospital staff, work and those very brave men that risked their lives to get me out of the PGC building. I would like to give something back. So I decided to work on a special project called the ‘Great Quake Escape’. This ‘escape’ would like to take 17 very brave and deserving young people, ages 6 to 29, to Auckland for 2 nights to do some fun activities. I am aiming to do this trip on the Canterbury Anniversary weekend, Friday 11^th to Sunday 13^th November. 

The activities I have planned for the group are: Kelly Tarlton’s, Rainbow’s End, Butterfly Creek, Sky Tower, Zoo, Dinner, and any other ideas and surprises that we can fit in.

The reason I am working on this project is these young people who have been directly affected need a break away. They are people I have met along my journey and I would love to be able to spend some time with them enjoying some fun activities. They will all be able to relate to each other on this trip and it is a nice small group I have picked so everyone feels included. I would like these people to know that they have been thought of and deserve to go on such a trip and do those fun activities without having to worry about financially burdening their families on top of everything else they have been through (and get away from aftershocks).

Raising funds for this trip is very important as there is going to be big expenses such as flights and accommodation. I am reaching out into the community, local buisnesses and organisations for the following things:

• Donated goods/vouchers as items for an up coming 'Auction night' fundraiser
• People to come to the auction on Monday 3rd October at Brickworks 6pm $20 (18+ event)
• Donated goods for the groups 'goody bags' they will receive on arrival at the airport - FYI 8 females, 9 males
• Discounts/deals
• Financial support (phone/tx: Summer)

If there is anything of the above you can do in support of this Great Quake Escape please contact me on 027 301 2074.

Click here to view a pdf of the Great Quake Escape Flyer

8 September, 2011 Manawatu Standard - Idea drives couple on

On the 31st August 2011, the Manawatu Standard "In Business" section featured an article on our newest Daisies, Carolyn & David Yorke now covering the Manawatu area - it read -

When David Yorke drove his sister to a doctor's appointment, his wife, Carolyn, hardly expected him to return home with an idea for a business venture.

However, that is exactly what he did, and seven months on they are on the cusp of launching Manawatu's Driving Miss Daisy franchise.

"A health scare in the beginning of last year that resulted in major surgery really changed our way of thinking. And when this opportunity came along we decided just to do it," Carolyn Yorke said.

The company offers a companion driving service, mainly for elderly people, people who can no longer drive or those who do not hold a driver's licence.

"I was attracted to the service because it meant being there for people who are in need, with no one to fend for them really," she said.

"And it's the companionship more than anything."

22 August, 2011 Age Concern's Publication "Keeping On" - August 2011

The August Edition of Age Concern's Publication "Keeping On" featured a fantastic article on Christchurch's First Birthday celebration at the Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village.

17 August, 2011 Driving Miss Daisy Conference 2011

Driving Miss Daisy hosted their second successful Conference during the weekend of the 12th - 14th August 2011 at the Copthorne Hotel, Wellington. 

4 August, 2011 A First Birthday for our Christchurch Daisies

Christchurch's Wonderful Day

Kerry & Steve Trenberth (Redwood/Harewood), Jacqui Stewart (Cashmere), Brenda Simms (Burwood) and Mike Dawson (Chch Central) are all featured here celebrating this fabulous occasion.

1 August, 2011 Gilly Noon in the Hibiscus Matters

Check out this wonderful article on Gilly Noon in the "Hibiscus Matters" featured on the 15th June 2011 - great advertising for the Hibiscus Coast!

 Click here for a pdf version of the article

15 June, 2011 Next Magazine Winners Hit the Bay!

Jennifer Willis (Mother) and Caroline Druce (Daughter) were the fortunate winners of our Mother's Day Next Magazine Competition in March 2011.

Proudly supported by: 

Their prize consisted of a night in Hawke's Bay including:

• Return flights to Napier
• Transfers with Driving Miss Daisy
• 1 nights accommodation at a Black Barn Retreat
• Lunch at the Black Barn Bistro
• Dinner at Havelock North's The Post 

Caroline & Jennifer arrived atHawke's Bay Airport and were greeted by our Driving Miss Daisy Welcome Party consisting of Christine Franklin (Napier/Taradale Franchise Owner), Melanie Harper (Director) and Ngaio Lewis (Office Manager/Photographer).   

Before they could say "Daisy" they were whisked away heading towards the luxurious Black Barn Vineyard just out of Havelock North.  Black Barn kindly provided our competition winners with accommodation in one of their beautifully appointed retreats for a night. 

Upon arriving at Black Barn, Caroline & Jennifer quickly unpacked, and then meandered through the grape vines making their way to the Award Winning Black Barn Bistro, where they were treated to a lovely long lunch (lastings 4 hours!) chatting with Mel and our generous Black Barn representative Vicki Orton.  Our guests made special comment on the exceptional quality of the three course lunch including treats such as stylishly presented pork belly and exquisite liquorice ice cream.  They also enjoyed the stunning views across the Heretaunga Plains to Napier with the Western Ranges in the background.

When they eventually made it back to their Retreat, the fire was lit, curtains were pulled and everything was made cosy and comfortable for them - Vicky had waved her magic wand to make their stay an extra special one!

Friday dawned and unfortunately Hawke's Bay forgot to put on its usual sunny weather for our guests - it was pouring with rain.  The day was Caroline & Jennifer's to spend as they wished with Driving Miss Daisy at their service to pick them up and take them to wherever they wanted to go. Monique was quickly on hand with her Driving Miss Daisy umbrella to keep our winners dry, and according to Caroline, they were having such a lovely time in the Bay anyway, they didn't even notice the rain that much!

Dinner was prebooked for the Friday night at a little restaurant in Havelock North Village called "The Post" where Caroline & Jennifer were treated again to a delicious  meal in what was formally know as the Village Post Office.

In conclusion and in Jennifer's words -

"Our prize was the ultimate in a Mother and Daughter Experience!  Your attention to detail was superb, and I thank you so much for all you did for us, to give us such a memorable few days."

27 May, 2011 Christchurch Daisies make "The Press" 25th May 2011

Congratulations Mike on this great piece of editorial featured in Christchurch's Press 25th May 2011

Click here to read the article in full

20 May, 2011 Prue Gee Launches Eastern Bays in the East & Bays Courier

 Well done Prue - what a great start to your Franchise!

20 May, 2011 Franklin's 250th Passenger makes Zenith Magazine - April 2011

Once again Lynne Hartley our Franklin Franchise Owner makes her local rag. This time with her 250th passenger - well done Lynne!

1 March, 2011 Wellington's First Birthday - as featured in the Cook Strait Times Feb 2011

A successful companion driving service celebrated its first birthday at Rita Angus Retirement Village last week. Lorraine McIntyre seen cutting the cake "is a regular client who enjoys the service."
Driving Miss Daisy, advertises itself as a safe, friendly and reliable companion driving service, is particularly popular with elderly people no longer able to drive.
Maura McKenna, the owner of the Wellington franchise of Driving Miss Daisy, thanked all the customers who reside at Rita Angus at a cake cutting to celebrate its first birthday. She told the residents it had been a good year and they were getting a fourth car this month.
Maura says they offer a variety of services from outings, companionship, travel to appointments, help with shopping - "it's a complete service, we want to build that rapport, so clients feel comfortable coming with us."
Driving Miss Daisy is also available to family members whose work commitments at times prevent them from being available to get mums and dads to appointments. Maura says "for these occasions we offer gift vouchers or daisy deals."

1 December, 2010 Devonport Santa Parade

Pauline Morrish of DMD Devonport sent in these great photos of their day - here's what she had to say - "Well we had a blast, perfect weather, great turnout and I'm sure Devonport will know DMD exists in the area now. We had Leigh-Ann as our photographer for the morning who did a marvellous job. We had speakers hooked up to the car and played the DMD Jingle along with Bicycle Built for two and a few Xmas carols which sounded awesome. Threw Lollies and were armed with water pistols which the kids loved. Made a couple of good contacts so that was well worth it. Santa didn't hesitate when I asked if I could sit on his knee for a photo!!!

After the parade we parked the car in the perfect spot while we had lunch at a Cafe in the main street and then when we left we turned the music on again, did a couple of laps of town and then along the waterfront, past the beaches to home. Got lots of smiles and waves.

Definitely keen to do it again next year". 

1 December, 2010 New Plymouth Santa Parade

Malcolm & Jenny made sure Driving Miss Daisy played their part in their recent New Plymouth Santa Parade.  Doesn't everyone look great!

24 November, 2010 Hibiscus Coast Santa Parade

Check out Gilly and her daughters showing off her Daisy Car at the recent Hibiscus Coast Santa Parade - "I have to say it was a lot of fun and we had a great reception, 6000 people watched the Santa Parade last year but I don't know what the figures were yet. Ian drove the car wearing a chauffeur's hat and my fairies walked in front of the car carrying the Daisy umbrella, Daisy bouquets etc. My girls were a bit embarrassed by it all but they sat in the back with their Santa hats and waved their Daisies out of the window."

24 November, 2010 Devonport Franchise Owners is "Driven to help Neightbours"

The Aucklander 24th November 2010

The car pulls up outside the small Bayswater flat and Maureen Cooper steps cautiously out her front door. She doesn't get far before the driver, Pauline Morrish, is standing beside her, offering an arm to lean on and asking if she's remembered to turn off everything inside.

Mrs Cooper smiles serenely and pats the arm hooked through hers. "Meeting my friend here has been a joy," she says.

The TV and radio are still chattering so we switch those off before helping Mrs Cooper down the stairs and into the waiting car for a drive around Devonport.

The bright blue vehicle is emblazoned with Driving Miss Daisy, the name of the companion driving service which already operates in other parts of the country and is now taking off on the North Shore.

Franchise owner Pauline Morrish and her husband moved to Auckland from Christchurch earlier this year. "We were looking for a new business and decided to look into Driving Miss Daisy. I hate being stuck inside all day and I enjoy helping people, so this is perfect," she says.  A Hawkes Bay couple introduced the service, which is based on a Canadian model.  "The owners have been very selective with those who buy into the franchise so people can be confident they are getting a great service," says Mrs Morrish.  The focus of the business is to help people whose mobility is limited.
"There are a lot of elderly people out there who lose so much of their independence when they lose their licences, and not everyone has family."

Mrs Cooper has a large family but, at 84, still likes to live alone. "I love it," she says. "Trying to be independent is important for most of us older ones, otherwise we deteriorate much faster.

"Her daughters usually take her shopping or to appointments. "But I don't want to be a burden on them now they're both going to be grandparents. I like to go out sometimes and I don't want to have to ring the girls up." That's why she's so pleased to have discovered Driving Miss Daisy. "This is going to be very handy, this car. When I picked the flyer out of the mailbox I thought, 'That's what I need'." She nods towards the driver's seat. "I like this lady. She's very steady and a good driver. It's wonderful to have somebody reliable like this."