April showers may bring May flowers but daffodils will be making an appearance in Castlegar well before that, when the Canadian Cancer Society's April Daffodil campaign is rolled out.
Daffodil pins will be available by donation at a number of retail locations in Castlegar in April.
“We’ve all been touched by cancer," said Melissa Knoop, Canadian Cancer Society volunteer in a press release. "In fact, two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes. By wearing a Daffodil pin in April and especially on Daffodil Day which is on April 27, Canadians can show them they are not alone in their fight.”
Knoop said it is her first time organizing the campaign in Castlegar and her goal is to have twice the number of local businesses participating than last year.
Knoop and her two-year-old daughter, Nola, helped kick off the campaign with City of Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff on Monday, March 25.
Like many people, Chernoff said cancer has touched him personally and he wears a daffodil pin for awareness more than just during the month of April.
"I have people in my family that passed away from cancer," he said. "I think it's a great campaign. It's something we need for research to understand what's going on and it's a great way to show your support by donating to the fund. It's a nice flower and it kind of represents life."
According to information from the Canadian Cancer Society, more than 3,300 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every week.
This year is the 75th anniversary of the society, which is a national, community-based organization whose mission is two-fold: the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life for people living with it.
In addition to funding cancer research, the Canadian Cancer Society provides financial assistance, peer support, and other programs to those living with cancer.