IT’S hard work finding someone who has been selling flowers for more than 12 years.
It’s even harder to find someone doing it who isn’t even a florist. It’s near impossible to find someone who is giving all the proceeds to a good cause, including donating their own time.
You’d have to look in Westleigh Gardens, Werribee, and ask around until you found Jenny O’Connor.
Mrs O’Connor is one of many dedicated volunteers running a Cancer Council Daffodil Day stall on Friday 24 August, selling daffodils and merchandise to help support cancer research and treatment.
Like many volunteers, Jenny has a personal connection to those she is helping. More than a decade ago, a number of people close to her were diagnosed with cancer.
“My aunt had cancer and was in and out of remission, and my best friend’s daughter, who’s fine now, was diagnosed with leukaemia,” she said.
“Then my childhood athletics coach and close friend died in 1994. His funeral notice said ‘No Flowers please donate to Cancer Council’. I did this and on the receipt they also gave contact details if you wanted to volunteer. So that was how I started helping at the daffodil day stall. I have helped every year since.
“The day always brings some good and some sad feelings, you have people who come and say thanks and donate, people who tell you they have or have had cancer or have a friend or relative who has.
“Then others who donate with a tear in their eye and walk away saying nothing. Cancer touches so many people in so many ways, Daffodil Day gives people an easy way to help,” Mrs O’Connor said.
Cancer Council Victoria is looking for thousands of volunteers like Jenny to sell fresh daffodils and merchandise at Daffodil sites across Victoria.
While there has already been a positive response from local residents, Daffodil Day co-ordinator Irene Manitta says 15 more people are needed to volunteer in Wyndham.
“We still have spaces at a number of stalls, so if you’ve been thinking about joining in Daffodil Day, now’s the time to get involved.”
Since Daffodil Day began in 1994 it has raised more than $19 million in Victoria.
This year the Cancer Council is aiming at raising $2 million. Funds go towards cancer research, cancer prevention education and support programs for people in need.
To volunteer for Daffodil Day, visit www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
