Orlaith’s €17K for Daffodil Day

“It really says a lot about the community. It’s amazing to see the impact a small community can have when everyone gets behind something important.”

Those are the words of Shercock college student Orlaith Lennon following the success of this year’s Bailieborough Daffodil Day fundraiser, which raised more than €17,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

For her the issue deeply personal: Just weeks after losing her father and three years after her mother’s death, Orlaith channelled her grief into action. “I wanted to put sense to it.”

The fundraising effort centred around two merchandise stalls in Tesco and SuperValu in March, supported by a strong response through online donations.

The reaction was overwhelming Orlaith says. While there was “nothing hectic” about the stalls with a few baked goods, and merchandise like shopping bags, water bottles, pins, lunch boxes and so on, the initiative generated an extraordinary result and highlighted the generosity of local people.

“I really want to thank them for their support,” says Orlaith.

Many people stopped at the stalls to share stories of how cancer had affected their own families and friends, showing how many people's lives are affected by cancer and reinforcing the importance of the Irish Cancer Society’s work.

Now in her second year volunteering with Daffodil Day, Orlaith says the cause remains very close to her heart. Funds raised will support vital services including cancer research, transport to treatment appointments and night nursing care. “It felt like such a simple local effort but the impact was huge.”

A special cheque presentation was recently held in Bailieborough to mark the achievement, and also celebrate the compassion of a community that came together in support of a cause that touches so many lives.