Health and Community Services
April 1, 2015

Supporting the Health of Families and Communities

Daffodil Month Begins in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government is recognizing April as Daffodil Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. Daffodil Month is an annual fundraising and awareness campaign led by the Canadian Cancer Society. The campaign supports those affected by cancer and makes significant contributions to researchers seeking a cure.

"Daffodil Month presents a tremendous opportunity to raise funds and awareness to support those battling cancer-husbands, wives, children, family and friends—and to bolster research for a cure. The daffodil is a symbol of hope that represents the strength and courage of cancer patients and their loved ones, as well as the compassion of volunteers and the commitment of researchers dedicated to conquering the disease."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Throughout April, the Canadian Cancer Society will be hosting a variety of local events and activities, as well as selling flowers and daffodil pins at various locations around the province.

"We would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for recognizing April as Daffodil Month. United by the daffodil, we show people living with cancer that they don't have to face cancer alone and that we won't give up until all forms of the disease are defeated."
-Matthew Piercey, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society - NL Division

Cancer prevention and treatment are key priorities for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government continues to implement new initiatives under the Cancer Control Policy Framework with a Budget 2014 investment of $712,000 for a new smoking cessation program for people with low income, as well as the regulation of tanning bed facilities for users under the age of 19.

The Provincial Government has invested more than $170 million to support cancer programs and services since 2004.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Canadian Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.ca for more information about cancer in Canada and to get involved with fundraising and awareness efforts that may be taking place in their communities.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is recognizing April as Daffodil Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Daffodil Month provides an opportunity to raise funds that support cancer awareness and research.
• Under the Cancer Control Policy Framework, the Provincial Government recently introduced a new smoking cessation program for people with low income, as well as the regulation of tanning bed facilities for users under the age of 19.
• The Provincial Government has invested more than $170 million annually to support cancer programs and services since 2004.
• For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society and Daffodil Month visit www.cancer.ca .

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Maggie Hynes Marketing-Communications Specialist Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundland and Labrador Division 709-757-8538 mhynes@nl.cancer.ca

2015 04 01                              4:05 p.m.