Limerick volunteer praised at Daffodil Day Supporter’s Launch

A LIMERICK man has shared his experiences of volunteering on Daffodil Day for the Irish Cancer Society. Pictured; Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power, Limerick volunteer Michael Quinlivan and Father Ted star and launch host, Pauline McLynn.

Daffodil Day is an annual campaign run by the charity, where people across Ireland will dedicate the day to fundraising for cancer patients and their families, while sporting yellow daffodil badges in solidarity.

As well as annual Daffodil Day, the Irish Cancer Society also holds a Supporter’s Launch, which is an opportunity for volunteers to come together and hear what is new ahead of the upcoming campaign.

This year, Daffodil Day is taking place on March 24, while the Supporter’s Launch event that took place last week was dedicated to volunteers, to thank them for their ongoing dedication and support.

One of these volunteers was Limerick man Michael Quinlivan: “I’ve been volunteering since the beginning in 1988 – 35 years now,”

“I fundraise for the whole month of March every year, even though Daffodil Day is one day nationally. I set up a stall in the Milk Market in Limerick around nine years ago now for all the Saturday’s in March,”

“This year, I will be selling daffodils and fundraising in O’Connell Street and I will move up to around Arthurs Quay Park area – last year alone, I raised €6,500 for charity thanks to the people of Limerick.” added Michael.

A Thomandgate native who turned 74 on his last birthday, Michael said that people’s benevolence is really important while raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society: “What’s very encouraging is that people are so generous – it motivates you,”

“When people give a good contribution you say to yourself ‘they must have been affected by themselves, a relation or a friend who got cancer.” added Michael.

The Irish Cancer Society typically receives 3% of its income from the Government. The generosity of donors, fundraisers and volunteers enables the charity to provide the services needed for the Irish population, so that nobody in Ireland has to face cancer alone.

The funds raised by the many supporters across the country helped deliver free information, support and care to people affected by cancer across Ireland.

From the Limerick Leader