This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Cancer Society. Established in 1938, the society changed its name in 1946 and held its first door-to-door fundraising campaign. Held in April of that year, this month has become the time thousands of volunteers raise funds in the battle to beat cancer.
In 2012, during Daffodil Month, volunteers raised more than $13.2 million.
By the 1950s, Canadian Cancer Society activities were taking place in all provinces. During this time in the Toronto area, afternoon teas were a popular way to raise funds for the society and attract new volunteers.
One year, daffodils were used to decorate the tables and soon the teas became known as Daffodil Teas.
In 1957, bunches of daffodils were sold in Ontario to raise funds for the society and eventually daffodil sales were held across Canada. Daffodils grew to become the organization’s symbol of hope for those touched by cancer.
Finally, in 2000 the Canadian Cancer Society adopted a new logo featuring its symbol of hope – the daffodil.
In 2011, the society launched its cross-Canada Daffodil Day, April 27 and encouraged Canadians to wear its new daffodil pin to show support for those who have survived cancer and in memory of those who have died.
In Quesnel, volunteers will soon be canvassing businesses and industry, by phone and e-mail, taking orders for fresh daffodils to be delivered on Daffodil Day, April 27.
Helping with this year’s daffodil campaign are two relatively new volunteers.
Tamara Turner signed up as a volunteer because cancer has affected her family.
“I was aware of the daffodil campaign and was glad to be joining the team,” she said.
Long-time society volunteer Cathy Briggs was excited about what Tamara brings to the campaign.
“She’s a doer and very good with people,” Briggs said.
“Tamara brings such energy and enthusiasm.”
Together with first time volunteer Ivana Topic, they co-chair the daffodil committee.
“They’re so organized and Ivana brings such a willingness to help and is so good with our other volunteers,” Briggs said.
Ivana moved to Quesnel to go to school. Previously from Prince George, she had participated in that community’s Relay for Life.
However, since moving here, Ivana employs her writing skills for the Canadian Cancer Society in its monthly column Cancer Clips, takes a shift in the office on Front Street and will now add the Daffodil Campaign to her list of responsibilities as well as a Relay for Life mentor.
“Quesnel is awesome. I wish every single community had what we have here,” Ivana said.
“It’s great to see people stepping up to do something for others.”
Briggs went on to say how great it is to have young blood on the team who bring such enthusiasm and new ideas.
“They energize everyone,” she said.
“This year, I’m very proud to be a volunteer with Canadian Cancer Society which does such good work and I know every volunteer is valued.”
With her extensive experience with the society, Cathy admitted she just happens to bring useful baggage to her volunteering.
“Everyone has skills they bring to their volunteering and that’s a good thing,” she added.
So when you receive notice it’s time to order bunches of daffodils, remember to give generously in support of our local Canadian Cancer Society branch. Deadline for pre-orders is March 15.
“In the north, the daffodil is one of our sure signs of spring,” Briggs said.
“It reflects renewal, hope and life.”
If you don’t receive a request to purchase daffodils, call the office, 250-992-6551 or e-mail, ccsquesnel@shawcable.net.