Daffodil Day ‘waterproofed’ to protect fundraising plans
Last year’s Daffodil Day was a washout, with stormy conditions resulting in donations falling by 50% on 2012.
The Irish Cancer Society made a huge effort to make up on the loss, with a variety of fundraising activities eventually raising €3.04m.
Head of fundraising Mark Mellett said it was vital that Daffodil Day raised €3.45m this year so that the society could continue to support cancer research, services and advocacy.
There were more then 40,000 correspondences with our Cancer Information Service in 2013. Daffodil Day helps to fund this!
— Irish Cancer Society (@IrishCancerSoc) February 7, 2014
Mr Mellett said they were hoping for sunny skies for Daffodil Day on Friday March 28, but had also done their best to waterproof their fundraising plans.
The society has organised new indoor collection locations, a national bag pack in Tesco, coffee mornings and other indoor activities.
“Without support from the public for Daffodil Day the Irish Cancer Society night nurses could not have supported over 1,868 patients and their families coping with the advanced stages of cancer last year,” said Mr Mellett. “Without street sellers and Daffodil Day organisers our nurses could not have delivered 7,770 nights of care last year.
Eileen Farrelly, one of our Daffodil Centre volunteers: "I give up my time, but I get so much more back in return." #DaffodilDay2014
— Irish Cancer Society (@IrishCancerSoc) February 7, 2014
“The society fulfilled 945 requests for night nursing last year and, with the help from the public next year, the society hopes to fulfil 1005 requests.”
Daffodil Day, which was launched 27 years ago, is the society’s biggest fundraiser.
Dell has supported Daffodil Day since 2010 and recently renewed its commitment to the fundraising event for another two years.
Dora our lovely DaffLady and James, DaffMan at the #DaffodilDay2014 launch @AVIVAStadium pic.twitter.com/aNdP5mLoEw
— Irish Cancer Society (@IrishCancerSoc) February 7, 2014
People interested in getting involved can volunteer on Daffodil Day; organise a Daffodil Day event in their community or workplace; buy a daffodil or Daffodil Day merchandise on Daffodil Day or download the Daff Day smartphone app developed by Dell.
* For more information on ways to get involved, call 2850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday.
