Planting Hope on City Hill to Launch Daffodil Day Appeal
Alison, Andrew, Daniel and Sandra launching the Daffodil Day appeal by preparing garden beds on City Hill this morning.
Hope comes in many forms and this August Canberrans travelling south along Northbourne Avenue will be reminded of the importance of hope for people affected by cancer as the Vernon Circle garden changes into one big daffodil as part of Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day Appeal.
A giant daffodil outlined in yellow will slowly transform to real daffodils this month as daffodil bulbs, pre-planted in June at the Yarralumla Nursery, grow and bloom – hopefully in advance of the 23rd August, which is officially ‘Daffodil Day’.
Cancer Council CEO, Sandra Turner, says the floral emblem of hope would not have been possible without the support of Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate and Andrew Forster (Floriade’s Head Gardener), in collaboration with the Yarralumla Nursery and Year 6 Radford College students, who helped with the initial planting.
“It’s been a combined effort to get to this point and it’s thanks to all involved for their generous contribution to help us launch the Daffodil Day Appeal,” said Ms Turner.
“We are encouraging workplaces, schools, family and friends to do something ‘yellow’ this month and help raise funds for cancer research in the ACT.
“Investment in cancer research over many years has seen significant advancements made in cancer prevention, screening and treatment - helping to increase survival rates from 49% in the 1980’s to 69% today,” she said.
Despite advances made in research and improving survival rates for many cancers, 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
“By supporting the Daffodil Day Appeal, you will help us invest in cutting-edge, life-saving research to give Australians hope for a cancer free future,” Ms Turner said.
While City Hill blooms for all to enjoy, fresh daffodils will be for sale at more than 30 sites across the ACT from the 22nd - 25th August.
Daffodil Day Campaign Details www.daffodilday.com.au or email events@actcancer.org
Contact details: Sandra Turner, Chief Executive Officer. Mobile: 0414 695 632