More than ten thousand people are out collecting for Daffodil Day, including a couple of big names from the sports world.

The money raised will go to things like beds for people who have to travel from out of town for cancer treatment, counselling and research.

Cancer Society CEO Claire Austin said Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum and All Black Dane Coles have been out collecting today.

She said she has been humbled watching people cross the road to donate, or give their last change to the charity.

"We fund over $4 million dollars worth of research every year looking for cures, looking for understanding to reduce risk for cancer - the list is endless."