PATIENTS in Orange hospital children’s ward were surprised when Cancer Council’s mascot Dougal Bear paid them a visit on Thursday, ahead of Daffodil Day today.
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Dougal Bear is part of the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day campaign, which is a national day of hope for cancer sufferers and a fund raiser for cancer research and prevention.
The mascot brought smiles to the children’s faces when he gave each of them a special bear, and children’s ward nurse unit manager Lyn Cantwell said staff welcomed the visit.
“It’s always great for the children in hospital to get a special visit as it cheers them up and puts a smile on their face, which we just love to see,” Ms Cantwell said.
Orange Cancer Council community relations co-ordinator Bree Kelly said Dougal Bear’s visit was one of the ways the council was raising awareness about cancer this Daffodil Day.
“People can get involved on the day by purchasing a badge or merchandise, and wearing it with pride,” Ms Kelly said.
“State-wide we’re aiming to raise $3.2 million this year.”
Council volunteers are manning stalls at locations across Orange today, including Post Office Lane, Orange City Centre, North Orange Shopping Centre and Peisley Street IGA, where people can purchase bunches of daffodils and Cancer Council merchandise from 9am (the IGA stall will begin at 10am) until all stock has been sold.
Daffodils will cost $7 a bunch, pins $5, small or large Dougal bears $10 or $30, key rings $7, fridge magnets $4, wristbands $4, and pens $6.
Ms Kelly encouraged all Orange residents to visit one of the stalls and show their support for people with cancer and Daffodil Day.
“It means hope. It’s about raising awareness about cancer and showing families who are affected by cancer that their community cares.”
alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au