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Cancer Society kicks off Daffodil Days

Money funds research, support and prevention programs

The Canadian Cancer Society is launching its nation-wide Daffodil Campaign next week, selling flowers to raise money for the society’s cancer research, support and prevention programs.

Individual bunches of daffodils will be available for $5.

In Whistler, the flowers will be sold to the public March 18-19 in Whistler Village, although corporate sales will continue throughout the month of March. Some of the corporate buyers include Intrawest, Whiskey Jack Resorts and Whistler Real Estate. The Whistler Firefighter’s Association also pitched in, helping to sell the daffodils.

Jacki Bissillon from Whistler Resort TV is co-ordinating the campaign. Last year they sold out more than 6,000 daffodils, raising $12,500 through corporate and individual donations. This year they have ordered more flowers to meet the demand.

"Cancer is a disease that can cause you to feel incredibly helpless because there is no cure," said Bissillon. "Participating in the daffodil campaign has been a chance for me and others who have been involved to do something tangible to help. Giving time, money, and support led me to believe that we are doing something to make a difference."

Bissillon hopes to fill every hotel, restaurant, spa and storefront with daffodils, as well as to sell thousands in the village, "as a symbol of support, hope and survival in honour of those who have struggled with cancer – those who have survived and those who we have lost."

Last year the B.C. and Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society raised $468,662 through its daffodil campaign. More than 80 per cent of that money was spent on research, providing community-based support and prevention programs.