March 28 marks Daffodil Day, an annual fundraising event organised by the Irish Cancer Society
Daffodil Day raises essential funds for cancer research, patient care and support services through the sale of daffodil pins, collections and events. Businesses across the city have fundraising boxes to show their support for the cause.
The Irish Cancer Society shop in Limerick is sure to catch a few eyes, with its window decorated head to toe in yellow fashion and flowers. This day is particularly significant for Debbie Devereux, manager of the store, who lost her mom to cancer at Christmas last year. “The day means an awful lot; it helps out a lot of people”, she shared. Devereux, who has been with the Irish Cancer Society for nineteen years, says that “it is a very worthwhile charity and a very good cause”.
Local businesses are a crucial part of this day of fundraising. Scholars Club, a well-known bar and restaurant, sells daffodil pins every year. The fundraising boxes are delivered by a student at the University of Limerick each year. Owner, Peter McSweeney, expressed his continued support in the initiative calling it a “no-brainer”.
“A lot of people will put in money but won’t take a pin, and that’s good as well”, he said. Each year, people show their support, and McSweeney is guaranteed that their pins will be “sold out by the end of the week”.
Across the city, people are coming together in different ways to show cancer victims and their families the support they need. Every euro raised can make a difference to those affected by cancer.
To set up your own fundraiser, volunteer on Daffodil Day, or donate, visit the Irish Cancer Society website here.