Red Deerians will begin to see shades of yellow this month as April marks Daffodil Month for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Not only are the brightly coloured blooms a welcome sign that spring is just around the corner in Central Alberta – hopefully – they are also used to bring important awareness to a disease that touches nearly everyone of us at some time in our lives in some way or another.
Since the 1950s, bright yellow daffodils have arrived in communities across Canada to mark the beginning of Daffodil Month. To this day, the daffodil continues to symbolize strength and courage in the fight against cancer. And funds raised during the month go to help finding a cure for cancer.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society’s web site, Daffodil Month, which is held every April, is a national fundraising campaign for the Canadian Cancer Society. During the month, volunteers are involved in numerous activities to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
In conjunction with the month, the Society also asks Canadians to reflect upon the thousands of people who are living with cancer and to remember loved ones who have been lost to cancer. During Daffodil Month, Central Albertans are also encouraged to do something special for those living with cancer or to contribute in some way to the fight against this disease.
Depending on the location, activities include selling fresh daffodils; asking people to make a donation and wearing a daffodil pin throughout the month to show support for people living with cancer. There will also be volunteers out canvassing neighbourhoods for donations door to door.
Funds raised throughout the month help the Canadian Cancer Society prevent cancer, fund research for cancer, empower, inform and support Canadians living with cancer and advocate for public policies to improve the health of Canadians.
In Red Deer, locals can find daffodils and pins for sale at the malls and in the grocery stores, banks, among other places. Pins are also available for citizens to wear on their lapels to help acknowledge the cause.
So this month, find a booth in the City where you can grab a bunch of beautiful yellow blooms and donate to a good cause.
And every time you happen to take a glance at your beautiful spring daffodils, remember those who are living with cancer, those who have fought and beat cancer as well as those who have lost the battle.
