Daffodil Day's return 'extra special'

Daffodil Day returned to the streets of Mullingar and surrounding areas last Friday and once again local people were not found wanting when it came to supporting the Irish Cancer Society.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Marie O'Toole, who coordinates the local team of Daffodil Day volunteers, said that the day couldn't have went better.

“ After two years Daffodil day returned to our streets on Friday last. Initially we - the Mullingar organising committee - were concerned that given the Covid restrictions, people would be reluctant to volunteer as in previous years, but we need not have worried, as the response was remarkable. We were simply overwhelmed with the offers of support and number of volunteers, groups and schools who came forward to help out on the day. We really hoped that this year would be an extra special year and it most definitely was."

“ This year also saw a new addition to the fund raising campaign with the introduction of cashless options at all locations, meaning that people were able to contribute irrespective of whether they had cash or not - we see this as an important move, because it allows everyone to donate in the format that suits them”

“Many people commented that after all of the hardship and restrictions due to Covid, it was really great to be involved in something so positive, either by donating or volunteering - and of course the sun was an added bonus on the day, with glorious sunshine from morning till evening."

While all of the money from events had yet to come in, organisers estimate that in excess of €20,000 was donated in the Mullingar area. Marie, who successfully battled cancer herself, says that it is hard to overstate the importance of Daffodil Day, the biggest fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society.

“Every year between 43,000 and 44,000 people in Ireland get a diagnosis of cancer, that’s 120 people per day receiving this news – this is why Daffodil day is so important as it is the Irish Cancer Society’s main fund raising event, which provides the much needed funding for patients counselling programs, night nursing, research projects and an array of supports for both the patient and the family “

“The Mullingar organising committee want to thank everyone who gave so generously on Friday. The people of Mullingar, Castlepollard, and the surrounding areas have always been very supportive of this special fund raising campaign and this year everyone was exceptionally generous on the day. ”