April is Daffodil Month: LCBO stores support Canadian Cancer Society

TORONTO, April 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Last year, the lives of more than 187,000 Canadians changed when they were diagnosed with cancer. It's for this reason, the Canadian Cancer Society raises funds and awareness by asking Canadians to support its Daffodil Month campaign every April.

Starting April 1, the Society asks the public to help support them by making a donation at any of the more than 635 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Coin and daffodil pin boxes will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters until April 26.

Ontarians can mark Daffodil Month by proudly wearing a daffodil in support of Canadians living with cancer or to remember those lost to this disease.

To some the daffodil is just a flower. To others it is a wonderful sign that spring has arrived. To the Society, it's a symbol of strength, courage and life. It says we will not give up. It says we will fight back. It says we will beat cancer.

The funds raised through donations for daffodil pins will enable the Society to continue in its mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the lives of people living with cancer. The Society does this by fighting all cancers on multiple fronts, including research, advocacy, prevention, information and support.

"LCBO's province-wide network of stores and supportive staff will help the Canadian Cancer Society raise funds for the fight against cancer and increase public awareness of our impact in communities throughout Ontario," says Susan Drodge, Director, Corporate and Community Partnerships, Canadian Cancer Society. "We appreciate the support we receive from LCBO, its employees and especially its customers."

"LCBO is pleased to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society and support a variety of worthy causes throughout the year," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "The generous support from LCBO customers and staff helps these charitable organizations make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Ontario."

The Society is one of 28 provincial and numerous local charities that will benefit from LCBO's province-wide donation box program in 2014. In 2012, LCBO raised a total of more than $6.6 million for charities through special programs and initiatives, of which $6.1 million was raised through in-store fundraising. In addition, LCBO's annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.7 billion in fiscal 2012-13, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

The Society thanks the public for its support this Daffodil Month when shopping at their local LCBO store from April 1 - 26.

About Daffodil Month
Daffodil Month is a national fundraising campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society. During April, Society volunteers are involved in numerous activities to raise vital funds for the fight against cancer. In 2013, more than 18,500 volunteers raised $4.3 million in Ontario.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

For further information or to book an interview, please contact: 
Camille Beaubien
Canadian Cancer Society
Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]

Stephanie Petroff
LCBO Senior Communications Consultant 
Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]