Young people flock to cancer cause

By Shaun Inguanzo,
DANDENONG North volunteer Valerie Knight says young people are donating more towards cancer research than their parents and grandparents.
Daffodil Day is the Cancer Council of Australia’s major fundraiser and this year it fell on Friday 25 August.
Ms Knight and a team of volunteers were at the Dandenong Plaza last weekend and made $260 in three hours of selling.
In a trend that has warmed her heart, Ms Knight said young people were the most receptive to Daffodil Day.
“I am 66 years old and a lot of people at my age don’t seem to take much interest,” she said.
“But the younger ones who have had parents or grandparents suffer from cancer are spending up to $10 at one time, buying Daffodil Day teddies and buying flowers.”
Ms Knight is a cancer survivor after a battle with breast cancer 19 years ago.
She had a mastectomy as a result of her cancer but considers herself lucky.
“I appreciate every day because every day is a bonus,” she said.
“There are people dying all the time with breast cancer, but I was a lucky one, and I am really happy with that.”
Ms Knight this year celebrated her 11th year as a volunteer selling Daffodil Day badges, teddy bears and the flowers themselves.
“I’m just hoping to find a cure, that’s all,” she said.
Ms Knight is also a volunteer at the Uniting Church’s Treasure Trunk Opportunity Shop in Dandenong North.