A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN throughout March will see spring daffodils being used to promote one of the UK’s leading cancer charities.
Thousands around the country are getting behind Marie Curie’s ‘Great Daffodil Appeal’ – and here in Moray one local garden centre is fully entering the spirit of the drive.
Mackenzie and Cruickshank in Forres has stocked up with 1500 ceramic daffodil bird feeders – and for every one they sell through March, Marie Curie will receive a £2 donation.
Business owner Peter Wilson said: “We support various charities throughout the year and for March we are dedicating our time to raising money for Marie Curie.
“It is a fantastic cause and the work the nurses do in helping people with terminal illnesses and their families is invaluable.
“As well as the bird feeders, which are already proving very popular with the customers, we will have collection boxes throughout the store. Our kitchen will be making daffodil-themed tasty treats and we have a variety of pin badges which will also see a donation going to the charity.”
In November, Mackenzie and Cruickshank raised £1400 for the Royal British Legion by selling 700 poppy bird feeders. That campaign was so successful the initial 300 stocked had to be bolstered with a further 400.
Vonnie Carson, community fundraiser for the charity, said: “Marie Curie is delighted to be working with Mackenzie and Cruickshank, raising funds and awareness throughout Moray.
“The Great Daffodil Appeal in March is our biggest fundraising campaign and its wonderful for local businesses to support us in this way. Our Marie Curie nurses provide hands on nursing care for terminally ill patients and physical and emotional support for their whole family at a particularly difficult time.
“Although many will recognise the charity’s name, and even the daffodil, it’s still surprising how many don’t actually know how we can help them.
“Making sure people are aware of the choices they have available to them is what our Marie Curie nursing service is all about. Giving the right care, in the right place, at the right time and making sure that final journey is as bearable as possible for all concerned.”