In the coming days and weeks a sea of yellow will be found in Red Deer whether it be at the malls, in stores or at local businesses.

Trish King, revenue development coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society, said daffodil month started back in the 1950’s and has continued strong ever since.

In its first year, in 1954, the daffodil campaign raised $1,200 and has been an annual event ever since.

Daffodils will be available for purchase in Red Deer and surrounding areas over the course of the next week and are $6 for a bunch and $10 with a vase.

“The money helps fund some of our local programs including prevention programs, research, advocacy and support services.”

King explained that most of the money stays local and that it goes to help those fighting cancer in our community.

“It is our most important fundraiser second only to the Relay for Life.”

The theme this year for the campaign is ‘Join the Fight’ and King said it is important to get as many people involved as possible.

To add to the campaign this year, she said they have added daffodil pins, which can be worn during the month of April to show support of the event.

Daffodils can be purchased at Bower Mall, both Co-ops, Costco, Save on Foods North and Curves North as well as many other locations.

Pins will be available at all Curves locations, Chapters, Parkland Mall Guest Services and Mark’s Work Warehouse as well as many other locations. Pins will also be available wherever flowers are sold.

The purpose behind selling daffodils, which are yellow, is to raise the awareness for all cancers.

Some cancers have their own colours, which are frequently recognized by colours including pink and blue, but yellow is the generic colour for all.

The daffodil has been the Canadian Cancer Society’s symbol of hope for many years and the pin has been added recently for those who may be unable to purchase daffodils.

Statistics show that every three minutes another Canadian is faced with fighting cancer.

The goal for this year’s daffodil campaign is to raise $70,500.

Last year alone almost $500,000 was raised in Alberta and the Northwest Territories during the daffodil campaign.

King explained that Mayor Morris Flewwelling recently signed a proclamation stating that April 27th is Daffodil Day here in the City.

“April 27th has been declared Daffodil Day here in Red Deer and we are going to turn City Hall Park into a field of yellow,” said King.

The plan for the day is to have Red Deerian’s and Central Albertan’s join together in City Hall Park wearing yellow to show their awareness of cancer and support of the fight against it.

King hopes to see as many people as possible come out for the event and take part in showing that Red Deer is not only aware of the fight against cancer, but that Red Deer supports finding a cure through research.

“All the money we raise goes to the Canadian Cancer Society and funds research into over 200 types of cancer. We don’t just pick one type.”

To find locations to purchase daffodils visit www.cancer.ca.

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com