The colour yellow represents positivity, while the daffodil flower symbolises rebirth and new beginnings.
Both of these motifs are used to draw attention to Daffodil Day, our national cancer awareness day.
Today is Australia’s 29th Daffodil Day.
Cancer Council Victoria (CCV), who facilitate the day, believe that the campaign represents hope for a cancer-free future.
People are invited to show their support in the fight against cancer.
Cancer is the leading cause of disease burden in Victoria, with a daily average of 81 new diagnoses.
Over the past decade, the not-for-profit organisation has been an integral part of the community. It creates and increases awareness of the disease, and promotes patient connectedness, peer-support and social inclusiveness.
Today stands as an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to volunteer their time or give support to the cause.
According to CCV, $380 million was spent on cancer research between 2000-2001, contributing to 22 per cent of all health research spending in Australia.
It’s easy to assume that large charities aren’t in need of financial contributions because of their success and prominent public presence.
However, like most not-for-profit organisations, CCV needs as much support as they can get.
With a six per cent increase in cancer rates from last year, CCV relies on donations to keep Australians well informed and aware of the risk of cancer.
CCV have almost five million volunteers who strive to raise money for the cause.
All donations raised go towards world-class cancer research, the development of cancer prevention programs, and to provide patient support to those diagnosed with the disease.
Fundraising and communications project manager of Daffodil Day, Claire Hunter, tells upstart that the organisation strives to make sure all Australians know about the day.
They do so with help from national supporters such as Coles, through locally sold merchandise, and schools jumping on board to dress yellow for the day.
“This year we are promoting the message, ‘Show you care about beating cancer’, whilst encouraging people to buy a daffodil pin. Our easily recognisable daffodil symbol is associated with brand recognition for the Cancer Council and for Daffodil Day itself,” Hunter says.
“Being our flagship fundraising event, it is important the daffodil remains in the forefront of people’s consciousness, fostering a social awareness and desire to help and make a difference.”
As important as donations are for cancer research, so is national advocacy.
“We strive to make sure all Australians know about our research, prevention and support programs,” Hunter says.
“There is a strong focus on social media these days, with Cancer Council Victoria maintaining an active presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”
Statistics show that cancer is a disease that will likely affect you or a loved one in your lifetime.
CCV hope to raise over nine million dollars from today. Each small donation goes towards cancer research.
“Supporters are encouraged to promote their involvement with Daffodil Day to their social networks, hopefully inspiring others to get involved, and even do the same,” Hunter says.
You can donate here.
Graphs and data provided by Cancer Council Victoria.
Feature image courtesy Flickr: Richard Leonard.
Lucille Sadek is a third-year La Trobe University student studying strategic communications and journalism. You can follow her on Twitter here: @Under_Tones.
