Daffodil Day 2010
27 Aug 2010
SHOALHAVEN TO SHINE THIS DAFFODIL DAY!
The colour yellow will shine bright across Shoalhaven on Friday the 27th August when more than 300 local volunteers help sell over 10,000 daffodils in support of Cancer Council's annual Daffodil Day fundraiser.
Whether their lives have been touched by cancer first hand, or are supporting the 1,300 people diagnosed with cancer in Southern Region each year, Cancer Council's Southern regional office says the support of the local community will make the fundraiser a huge success once again.
"By buying fresh daffodils or other goodies, the Southern region can come together to turn the town into a shade of yellow and offer hope to those affected by cancer. You'll be able to easily find our smiling volunteers at sites across the area, such as shopping centres and other major locations," Michael Cannon Community Relations Coordinator at Cancer Council's Southern office said.
Cancer Council's Southern office said they were hoping to top last year's fundraising efforts, which saw more than $230,000 raised across the Southern region and more than $8 million nationally.
All funds raised through Daffodil Day help Cancer Council fund vital cancer research, prevention, information and support services, including the Cancer Helpline (13 11 20)
"This year we're aiming to raise $250,000 which will help us to continue to provide essential services to the local community. This is why it's so important that all of the Shoalhaven area does their bit and buys a daffodil or other goodies. There's something for everyone - Dougal bears, pens, tax deductable donation cards and mini soccer balls, just to name a few," Michael said.
"Let's help reduce the impact of cancer in the Shoalhaven community by making this Daffodil Day the best yet! You can help, you can make a difference," added Michael.
Shoalhaven Daffodil Day Sites (Fri 27th August):
1. Berry - Broughton Court
2. Bomaderry - Railway Station
3. Nowra - Junction St
4. Nowra - Nowra Mall
5. Nowra - Stockland shopping centre
6. Nowra - Wing & Pear shop
7. Ulladulla - Blooms Chemist
8. Vincentia - Burton St Mall
CANCER FACTS AND FIGURES
· Cancer remains one of Australia's biggest health problems and is the leading cause of premature death in Australia. 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
· Each year in NSW more than 34,000 people are diagnosed with cancer – with more than 3,500 of those people living in the Southern NSW
· Each year more than 13,000 people in NSW will die from the disease - more than 1,300 of those people being from the Southern NSW.
· The good news is, more than 60% of cancer patients will survive more than five years after diagnosis and the survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30% in the past two decades.
DAFFODIL DAY
· Daffodil Day is Friday 27 August 2010 - it’s a day to give hope for a brighter, cancer-free future for ourselves, and for those we love. There’s every chance your life has, or will be touched by cancer.
· If you think the 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer is one too many, then get involved:
- Show your support by volunteering to sell daffodils and goodies at sites on the official day.
- Order a box of Daffodil Day items to sell to family, friends or colleagues during the month of August. This is easy, especially if you can place the box at your work.
- Purchase fresh daffodils and other goodies, or make a donation on the official day. You’ll find Daffodil Day sites near your local shopping area, train and bus stations and other major locations.
DEFEATING CANCER
In 2009 more than $9 million was raised across Australia on Daffodil Day. More than $230,000 of that amount was raised right here in the Southern Region with the help of supporters and volunteers.
In 2010, Cancer Council’s Southern Region office is hoping 300 volunteers will help sell fresh daffodils and other merchandise at over 70 Daffodil Day sites. We want to raise $250,000 locally towards a national target of $9 million!
Thanks to the support of everyone involved in Daffodil Day, Cancer Council NSW has improved the lives of NSW cancer patients and their families. In the last year alone, Cancer Council NSW has:
· Funded more than $14.3 million worth of cancer research – including 76 new research grants.
· Operated the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20) – more than 19,000 people across NSW last year received free, confidential information and support from cancer health professionals.
· Provided $472,000 worth of financial assistance in the form of grants, subsidised more than 20,000 nights worth of patient accommodation and funded more than 967,000km of patient transport.
· Distributed more than 218,000 ‘Understanding Cancer’ publications so patients are informed about treatment options for their particular cancer and know what support is available to them.
· Encouraged the people of NSW to become involved in long term cancer studies to help us better understand what causes cancer – 13% of the NSW population is now participating in collaborative studies like the CLEAR and 45 and Up studies.
· Worked with more than 2,400 volunteers to fundraise, deliver cancer support and prevention programs and alleviate operational costs. For each paid staff member Cancer Council NSW works with 10 volunteers who assist us in our mission to defeat cancer.
· Provided support to more than 540 cancer survivors about the possible changes, challenges and opportunities they may face after completing cancer treatment through Living Well After Cancer Workshops.
· Worked with the NSW community to raise awareness of cancer prevention through sun safety, nutrition and anti-tobacco programs. In the past year more than 800 new childcare centres have signed up to participate in the SunSmart schools program.
· Advocated for patient rights - Cancer Council NSW continues to lobby the Government for improved radiotherapy services across the state. Cancer Council estimates that approximately 5,000 cancer patients each year do not receive the treatment they require.
BECOME INVOLVED
· For further information on how you can get involved in Daffodil Day call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.daffodilday.com.au