For 40 years, the daffodil has carried an enormous promise: that no one faces cancer alone. On Thursday 20 August, that promise blooms again as Cancer Council ACT chases it’s biggest Daffodil Day goal yet of$140,000.
Few people embody the spirit of Daffodil Day like Pauline Segeri. For more than 20 years, Pauline has volunteered with Cancer Council ACT, through rain, shine and even snow! This year marks another milestone as she runs her very own Daffodil Stall in Bungendore, greeting and connecting with the community she has proudly served for two decades.
Cancer Council ACT has also organised nine other stalls across Canberra and the surrounding region, with the help of its amazing volunteer community. Canberrans are encouraged to buy a beautiful bunch of daffodils from any of these stalls to help fund vital local cancer research.
Amongst the Canberra businesses, supporting this year's campaign is Heyday Group, whose team has spent recent weeks fundraising through workplace raffles, an afternoon barbecue and auction of donated items.
“Our wish is to support Cancer Council ACT in any way possible. Cancer has directly impacted family members of Heyday staff, and a number of people in associated businesses have also been affected. Over recent months we've felt the importance of raising awareness and support.”
To Heyday Group, "Daffodil Day is an opportunity to help raise much-needed funds for the continuation of research into finding a cure, and to provide direct support to those in need.”
Every dollar raised in Canberra stays in Canberra. Funds raised through Daffodil Day directly support cancer research led by Canberra- based researchers working to improve cancer prevention, treatment and outcomes.
This year, that includes supporting the groundbreaking work of Dr Vijay Bhoopalan and Professor Nicole Freene. Together, their research represents the next wave of local discoveries that could make a real difference for people affected by cancer in our community.
Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins said every stall represents more than a fundraising opportunity.
''Daffodil Day has always been powered by community support. Whether it's a local small business such as Heyday, one of our dedicated volunteers, or someone stopping by a stall to purchase a bunch of daffodils. They are helping fund cancer research and support services that make a difference to families affected by cancer, right here in Canberra" Ms Hawkins said.
40 years after the first Daffodil Day, the yellow flower remains a symbol of hope for the 1 in 2 Australians affected by cancer by the age of 85.
To find out more about Daffodil Day, please visit daffodilday.com.au.