New UFV daffodil beds sprout to kick off Cancer Society’s fundraiser

For the seventh year i n a row, Daffodil Days are coming to UFV from March 26 to 28, 2013. Over the years, UFV student volunteers have raised more than $8,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society by selling fresh cut daffodils on campus in March.

But this year, the UFV campaign comes with a twist.

Last November, Dr. Brian Minter, UFV Chancellor and Canadian gardening icon, donated 1,000 daffodil bulbs to UFV in support of the campaign. Now, the Abbotsford campus will light up each spring with the bright yellow flowers, which have become a symbol of hope for many cancer patients.

“These permanent blooms are going to enhance campus grounds for years to come,” says Michelle Rickaby, UFV Volunteer to Work coordinator and cancer survivor. “Each year, the flowers will be a vibrant reminder that each of us can help fight cancer.”
Thanks to the efforts of UFV Facilities staff and student volunteers, the bulbs were planted the last day of November, just before an early winter frost descended on Abbotsford.

“When you plant bulbs in a new bed, you can only wish for the best,” says Rickaby, who coordinated volunteers to assist with planting. “I was so excited when I first noticed small green leaves rising from the dirt.”

“Look for the new blooms,” she adds, “but please don’t pick them. From March 26 to 28, student volunteers will sell daffodil bunches all over campus to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. You can purchase daffodils or daffodil pins to show your support for cancer patients and their families.“