April is Daffodil Month

Wednesday, 8 April 2020 16:57

The Canadian Cancer Society of Oxford County will not be selling daffodils this month and are moving all fundraising efforts online for the time being.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Canadian Cancer Society of Oxford County will not be selling daffodils this month.

April is Daffodil Month, when Canadians traditionally rally together to support and remember those affected by cancer. The realities of the COVID-19 health crisis has changed the way charities can fundraise.

To honour social distancing measures, for the first time ever, CCS has suspended all face-to-face fundraising activities until the end of the summer, nationally asking nearly 30,000 people who would typically be involved in fundraising this month and in the coming months to stay home. In Oxford County, this includes the postponement-of the Daffodil Campaign and daffodil pin sales, the annual door-to-door campaign, three Great Ride ‘n’ Stride events, as well as Relay For Life, resulting in a significant estimated drop in donations during a time when over $407,000 was planned to be raised to support Canadians affected by cancer. Community Office Manager for the CCS of Oxford Nancy McFadden says communities across the country and right here in Oxford County are still able to help.

"Teaming up with family and friends in hosting or donating to fundraisers online is a great way to come together and support the Canadian Cancer Society’s life-saving work, while physical distancing keeps us apart.

The annual Spring Yard Clean Up for Cancer is one event shifting their support for CCS online. This Oxford County event has raised over $1M in 10 years of organizing one spring day to clean yards with volunteers, sponsors, donors and community members to raise funds for Canada’s most-promising cancer research. This year, the organizing team has shifted the event to an online fundraiser that is currently accepting donations on cancerfighter.ca as the team raises funds for cancer research that will save lives.

Donations are also being accepted online as Canadians are encouraged to create a digital daffodil, a virtual badge to print or share through social networks to spread positive messages and hope for those living with cancer during COVID-19. This sunny symbol is more relevant than ever right now as we all need to join together and look ahead to brighter days.

You can find more information on how you can help or donate online here.