Officials help launch Cancer Society Daffodil Days in Laval

When you take into account that the average person usually knows someone who’s been affected in one way or another by cancer, it should come as no surprise that the disease is now acknowledged to be the number one cause of death in Quebec.
 

Because of the sheer impact cancer has on tens of thousands of people, the first few days of April each year are devoted to the cause of finding better treatments and preventions.
Most people by now are familiar with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. The daffodil is considered a symbol of life, and those who wear it during April are expressing their support for the struggle against cancer and the affirmation of life.

Life affirming
Between March 31 and April 3, thousands of volunteers will spread daffodils all over Quebec. In Quebec, the sale of daffodils began more than 50 years ago, and this year 2 million bright yellow flowers will be sold throughout the province.
During a local launch for Daffodil Days held on March 7 at the Centre Horticole de Laval, Vimont Liberal MNA Vincent Auclair said as much attention needs to be paid to prevention of cancer as is currently being devoted to finding a cure.
Auclair said he no longer wants to be raising attention to the issue of cancer only at this time of year, but would like to point out the important work done by the Canadian Cancer Society on an ongoing basis. “We are capable of defeating that disease, and it will be thanks to everyone’s support when we get there,” he said.

50th year here
Supporters of the Canadian Cancer Society in Montreal have been observing Daffodil Days since 1961, four years after the tradition was launched. In 1957, a volunteer in Toronto decided to sell daffodils to raise funds for the CCS. An anonymous donor flew in 5,000 daffodils from Victoria, B.C. and the tradition was underway.
The spectacular growth of Daffodil Days in Quebec is credited to the commitment of thousands of volunteers, the loyalty of sponsors, and the generous support of the public. Canadian Pacific, the main transporter for the cause, has been shipping the daffodils free of charge since 1965. Every year, the railway has unfailingly honoured its commitment by assigning an entire freight car to ship the daffodils from Victoria to Montreal.

Month of special events
In those first few days of April, beautiful fresh daffodils will be offered for sale by volunteers in shopping centres, food stores, office buildings and even within businesses. The flowers will be sold in bouquets of three or 10 flowers for $5 and $10 respectively. The Canadian Cancer Society will also be holding special events throughout April, which is Daffodil Month. For additional information on cancer or to find out about Daffodil Month events please call 1-888-939-3333.