Interesting items

The daffodils

The little story of the daffodil

Each year, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) invites population to show support for those affected by cancer during Cancer Awareness Month. The yellow flowers are sold by the thousands. But why the daffodil? Back in past.

In the 1950s, a group of CCS volunteers organized a tea party in Toronto. Daffodils were decorate the table. An idea then crosses the mind of Fran Shannon: selling fresh daffodils for the benefit of the fight against cancer. A few years later, an anonymous donor pays for the shipment, by plane, of 5,000 flowers from British Columbia.

In the first year, volunteers approach Toronto’s restaurants and major hotels with daffodils to offer to their clients: $ 1,200 is raised for the benefit of the CCS.

Three years later, proud of this first success, volunteers decide to expand their network and sell the daffodils themselves. This new initiative brings in $ 17,500.

In 1961, it was Quebec’s turn to try the experiment. Among the volunteers of the first hour, Mrs. Hélène Risi, 84 years old. Daffodils were sold 25 cents. The first year, we raised $ 2,500 in the Sillery neighborhood. We had to stay outside the shops because the managers did not want to let us in. We were cold, but we were very motivated!

Since 1965, flowers have been traveling free on Canadian Pacific. An entire car is reserved for the transportation of daffodils, from Victoria. Carrying such a large quantity of fresh flowers from one end of the country to the other at this time of year is exposing you to many surprises!​

We value this coin at $30.

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