All Irish Cancer Society events and street collections have been called off, including having cancelled Daffodil Day 2020, due to coronavirus concerns.
Yesterday, the Irish Cancer Society announced it had cancelled all collections and events taking place on Daffodil Day, 27th March, due to coronavirus. The announcement was made online as a direct response to the current risk posed by the virus.
Daffodil Day has been the Irish Cancer Society’s primary fund-raising event, going back 33 years. Every year the events raise millions of euro to support cancer patients and their loved ones. Much of the money raised is used to fund cancer research.
A difficult decision made by CEO of the Irish Cancer Society
The decision will come as a massive blow to all who avail of the charity’s much-needed services.
“We have made this decision to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, volunteers, and supporters,” Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said yesterday.
“We also want to focus all our energies on providing cancer patients and their families with the information, advice, and support they need at this time,” she concluded.
What is Daffodil Day?
Every year thousands of volunteers take to the streets up and down the country of Ireland selling daffodils, badges, and pins.
Hundreds more organise events like coffee mornings and bake sales in workplaces and communities to raise funds to support people affected by cancer.
The country is turned yellow as communities, workplaces, families, and friends come together to unite against cancer.
The importance of Daffodil Day
According to the Irish Cancer Society, every day 150 people receive a cancer diagnosis in Ireland, with over 40,000 people being diagnosed each year.
This year the Irish Cancer Society was hoping to raise as much as €4 million, which would make it the biggest fundraiser to date.
The much-needed funds raised on Daffodil Day go towards investing in cancer research so that new and better treatments can be developed for cancer patients.
The Irish Cancer Society provides free, confidential advice and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. They also enable cancer patients to spend their final days at home by providing an Irish Cancer Society night nurse.
Other ways to help raise much-needed funds
With all street collections cancelled on March 27th, the Irish Cancer Society needs the public’s support and donations more than ever.
By texting CANCER to 50300, you will be donating €4 directly to the Irish Cancer Society.
Donations can also be made online here. By donating online, you can choose a donation of any amount, and you are also given the option to select where you would like your donation to be used within the Irish Cancer Society. You can choose cancer research, nursing services, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, there is also an option for where it is needed most.
Other charities also cancel plans
Other charities that heavily rely on street collections for donations, have cancelled their street collections likewise.
Make-A-Wish Ireland have cancelled their street collections planned for 13th March. They have instead encouraged people to make donations through their website with a “Virtual Wish Day.”
With more events expected to be cancelled and postponed in the coming weeks due to coronavirus, it is essential to continue to support charities who provide much-needed support and research to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
The total number of cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the Republic of Ireland is 34, and in Northern Ireland, there are 16. With the total expected to rise, it is highly likely other restrictions and cancellations will be implemented in the coming days.
