A bloomin’ good cause

DAFFODIL Day is Australia 's annual national event to support those affected by cancer and on Friday 25th August 2006, Daffodil Day will celebrate its 20th anniversary in NSW.

As the largest merchandise based fundraising event of its kind for cancer research, education and patient support in the southern hemisphere, the success of Daffodil Day relies heavily on the help and assistance of volunteers.

Genelle Hawes and Sharon Edmonds of Barrack Heights are two such volunteers who are getting ready to don the yellow volunteer shirt in support of Daffodil Day.

Cancer is still the leading cause of death in Australia; over 36,000 people die from cancer each year.

However Laura Mehl of the Cancer Council says despite such alarming statistics todays cancer patients have a better chance at survival than ever before.

Genelles long time neighbour and friend Sharon Edmonds says she cant wait for this years event. She said she has been keeping busy knitting baby garments that will be sold locally alongside the official Daffodil Day merchandise.

Last year Genelle and Sharon say they were delighted at the efforts of the children at Barrack Heights Primary who helped raise $280 and are eager to better that this year.

This year the Cancer Council will be offering fresh daffodils as well as other Daffodil Day goodies for sale, including teddies, key rings, soccer balls, wrist bands, badges and other merchandise.

Anyone interested in registering as a volunteer can call 4225 3660 or visit www.daffodilday.com.au