Last year for fresh-cut daffodil fundraiser

Since the 1950s, one of the signs of spring has been the fresh-cut daffodil blooms sold by the Canadian Cancer Society during April, which is Daffodil Month.

After this year though, that particular sign of spring will be no more. The society distributed the blooms for the last time in Ontario earlier this month, said Patricia Clizia, fundraising co-ordinator with the cancer society's Sudbury office.

The Canadian Cancer Society decided to stop selling the daffodils after this year because it's a great logistical challenge to distribute them, as well as being costly and labour-intensive, she said.

But Daffodil Month will continue each April with the daffodil pins the Canadian Cancer Society has been handing out since 2011. Clizia said Daffodil Month brings in about $50,000 a year in Sudbury.

Canadian Cancer Society spokesperson Michael Sheiner said in a press release the organization feels the daffodil pins achieve more impact than fresh blooms because they're more visible.

“We've had a wonderful response to the new daffodil pin,” Clizia said.

“Certainly, when we see people wearing the daffodil pin all year long, we really know it is a symbol of hope for many people, and they wear it with pride.”

Sheiner said the daffodil isn't just a flower; it's a “symbol of strength, courage and of life. It says we will fight back. It says we will beat cancer.”

Meanwhile, on April 27, which is Daffodil Day, the Canadian Cancer Society is asking Canadians to take a moment to reflect upon the thousands of people who are on a cancer journey and to remember those who have died.

They're also encouraged to tweet the hashtag #mydaffodil to spread the word that it's Daffodil Month or text FIGHT to 45678 to donate $5. Visit fightback.ca for more information.