June McTavish, a cancer survivor and the Canadian Cancer Society's provincewide Daffodil Days campaign co-ordinator in Thompson, is helping to spread good cheer and hope throughout the community with brightly-coloured flowers.
McTavish has been involved with the Canadian Cancer Society for 18 years, and has lived in Thompson since 1974. She survived breast cancer 18 years ago and uterine cancer three and a half years ago. She says the experiences led her to be involved with the Canadian Cancer Society as a way of spreading hope with people struggling with cancer, cancer survivors and family members.
This year, McTavish has ordered daffodils for participating businesses throughout the city. She'll also be selling them at a booth at the City Centre Mall on March 19 and 20. You can purchase a bundle of daffodils for $6 or two bundles for $10.
The daffodil was chosen as the Canadian Cancer Society's symbol of hope in the fight against cancer in Toronto in the 1950s, when a group of volunteers organized a fundraising tea and decorated the tables with the bright flowers. The first year the daffodils were sold they raised more than $1,200 in Ontario, and the idea was soon adopted by other provinces across Canada as well as the American Cancer Society. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the group is the world's largest purchaser of daffodils - to the point where growers in British Colombia arrange their plantings to meet the needs of the society's demand for the live flowers every spring.
McTavish is also involved in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which is happening in Thompson on April 23. People can register as a team at www.cancer.ca, and can also purchase luminaries or register as a survivor through the site.
