April daffodil, pin sales help to fund cancer research
MICHELLE ALLENBERG
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
April is Daffodil Month, which means Niagara Cancer Society will be raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
Each year the organization raises funds through the sale of daffodils and pins.
The yellow flowers symbolize courage and strength, says Michelle Begin, fundraising organizer for the Canadian Cancer Society’s local branch. Each spring the flowers break through still-icy ground and are the first flowers to bloom.
Begin says this is great symbolism for the courage people battling cancer have, and their loved ones.
The daffodil has been a symbol during April since the cancer society was established 78 years ago.
Begin says money raised during April will be allocated towards research for all types of cancer — there are more than250 kinds. She says although the organization offers support including counselling and advocacy, April is about research.
The Niagara chapter usually raises about $45,000 each year during Daffodil Month.
For Begin, April isn’t just about raising money, it’s also about raising awareness. She says although money is “important,” it’s also important to get people involved in understanding cancer. Most people’s lives have been touched by the disease, so showing support during April can help those affected.
This year the organization has partnered with Loblaw countrywide. A number of the company’s stores will sell daffodils, with $2 from each purchase going to the cancer society.
Also, volunteers will be stationed throughout Niagara during April with pins — Begin says people can donate whatever they can afford.
This coming weekend Sobeys on Scott Street in St. Catharines will have pins available. For the weekend of April 28, Zehrs and Pupos in Welland and Sobeys in Welland and Fonthill will offer pins. The same weekend in Niagara Falls volunteers will be at Zehrs on Morrison Street. The St. Catharines Zehrs at the Pen Centre and Fairview Mall and Real Canadian Super Store at Fourth Avenue will have donation booths set up.