Story by Stephanie Foden
Cheery yellow daffodils will brighten up Oshawa and the Durham Region starting today as the Canadian Cancer Society launches Daffodil Month. Held every April, Daffodil Month is a national fundraising campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society. During the month, Society volunteers are involved with numerous activities to raise vital funds for the fight against cancer.
This weekend volunteers across Durham Region including Lakeridge Health, The Oshawa Centre, General Motors and various retail locations will be excepting donations in exchange for daffodil pins. Kristi Gregor, Fundraising Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society in Durham says the suggested donation is $1, but any amount is welcome.
Last year the Canadian Cancer Society in Durham Region funded a peer-support program and four local clinical trials projects researching treatments for breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer. They provided 10,000 rides to and from cancer-related care for 1,500 local people living with cancer.
“Going through something like cancer, people have no control,” says Gregor. This is a way to take control back by raising money and fighting the fight.”
Throughout the rest of the month, coin boxes with pins will be available in various locations throughout Durham Region. To find a location, visit the Fight Back website.
“Its give a donation, take a pin,” says Gregor. “We ask that they wear it throughout the month of April to show their support to the Canadian Cancer Society.”
Mayor John Henry showed his support for Daffodil Month on Wednesday at an official pinning ceremony at City Hall.
“It was way for him to show his support for the Canadian Cancer Society in the community and kick off in Oshawa that April is Daffodil Month,” says Gregor.