The Daffodil Pin

Do you know what the hottest accessory is for April this year? It is the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Pin! Everyone has one. They are very attractive with the Cancer Society’s yellow daffodil symbol re-styled onto a pin. They are available in many locations throughout the month of April and are sold by donation. The Daffodil has become the symbol of cancer research fund-raising in Canada. Each year, local branches of the Cancer Society sell live daffodils. This is the first year daffodil pins are being sold as well. How is it that this beautiful little flower became the symbol of solidarity in cancer research? I did a little research and discovered that the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days began in Toronto in the 1950’s. A group of volunteers organized a fundraising tea. They decided to decorate the tables with daffodils, thinking that the bright and cheerful flowers instilled hope that cancer could be beaten. These gatherings soon came to be known as Daffodil Teas. Volunteer Jackie Brockie worked at Eaton’s Store and arranged for Lady Eaton to host a Tea at the store. Over seven hundred women attended! Lane Knight, another volunteer, arranged for restaurants to give part of their proceeds to the Society on the opening day of the cancer canvass in 1956. Volunteers were on hand to give patrons a daffodil as a token of appreciation. When recipients tried to pay for the flowers, the Cancer Society realized that the sale of daffodils could generate revenue. The Daffodil Sale was a hit and has been held every April since then. The idea spread to other provinces and to the American Cancer Society. Today, the Canadian Cancer Society is the world’s largest purchaser of daffodils! So, wear your daffodil pin with pride this month, knowing that the tradition goes back to the days of your grandmother. Wearing a daffodil pin to show support for those who are facing cancer . . . it’s a good thing!