The Alberta/Northwest Territories Division of the Canadian Cancer Society based out of Peace River is making last-minute preparations for what is traditionally known as its most active time of the year on the fund-raising trail.

“Our volunteers and staff are busy preparing for a variety of awareness and fund-raising activities,” says Carrie Rasmussen, revenue development assistant for the Peace River Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Alberta/Northwest Territories Division.

Part of that process includes getting everything in order for Daffodil Days, an annul event which helps generate much-needed proceeds for cancer research, advocacy initiatives, education and patient services – all of which fall within the mandate of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Rasmussen says the event has been running smoothly since March of 1961 when a dedicated group of volunteers joined forces in Calgary by selling fresh daffodils from shopping centers and downtown locations.

The end result was $6,000 in proceeds – funds that were allocated to the University of Alberta Hospital’s physics department for the study of total body radiation.

She adds that Daffodil Days has grown by huge leaps and bounds since its inception 42 years ago, adding that the modern version of the event (in urban areas) includes everything from visits by the Daffodil Queen of Victoria to street sales, luncheons and fashion shows.

The symbolism of the daffodil, which stands for hope and renewed spirit in the fight against cancer, is equally important in rural Alberta.

In 2001, the Peace region alone generated approximately $15,000 in proceeds as a direct result of daffodil sales. Betty-Lou Gwartney, program coordinator for the Peace River Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Alberta/Northwest Territories Division says that figure dropped to $14,500 last year, adding that the organization has set its sights on raising $16,000 this year.

The 2003 campaign is taking place from March 27 to 29 with volunteers making their rounds throughout various communities in the Peace region to help promote the valuable fund-raising initiative.

Offering her assistance from McLennan is Marilyn Simard, who will be selling daffodils for $5 a bunch (10 flowers per bunch) from The Coffee Connection.

Daffodil Days marks the start of an extremely busy spring for Gwartney and Rasmussen, two of approximately 630 full-time and part-time staff employed by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Rasmussen is currently working on the society’s annual April door-to-door fund-raising campaign and says volunteer canvassers will be knocking on doors in Falher, McLennan, Girouxville and Donnelly next month in an effort to raise funds for ongoing cancer research.

Canadian Cancer Society employees in Peace River have contacted as many as 2,000 families by telephone as part of a massive volunteer recruitment process.

Rasmussen says they have received strong canvasser support in the Smoky River region with 32 volunteers agreeing to take part in the door-to-door campaign. That includes 19 volunteers in Falher, two in Donnelly, three in Girouxville and eight in McLennan.

Gwartney points out that the Canadian Cancer Society does not canvas for monetary donations over the telephone. All of volunteers are issued a Canadian Cancer Society name tag and kit. They also supply official Canadian Cancer Society receipts to donors upon request.

Daffodil Days and the door-to-door fund-raising drive will coincide with Smoky River Fire & Rescue’s bi-annual cancer head-shaving fundraiser. The fire department joined forces with the McLennan RCMP detachment, the Smoky River Ambulance Service Society and other volunteers in 2001 by raising an unprecedented $23,000 for cancer research.

This year’s goal is to up the ante by raising $25,000 during the April 30th event, which is taking place at the fire hall in Falher.

Gwartney says she is confident that the community will once again rally around the fire department by helping firefighters to achieve their goal.

“I spoke with Darryl Hebert earlier this month and it sounds like they are well on their way to reaching their objective,” said Gwartney, adding that the response to the event two years ago was “absolutely amazing.”

For more information on Daffodil Days, the door-to-door campaign or on how to become a volunteer canvasser, please contact the Peace River & District Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society Alberta Northwest Territories Division at (780) 624-5940.

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