‘Remarkable’ amount raised on Daffodil Day

The chairperson of the Mullingar Daffodil Day committee, Annmarie O’Toole, has thanked everyone in Mullingar and the surrounding towns and villages for their generous support after more than €45,000 was raised locally.

“It was just remarkable,” said Ms O’Toole, “To give you an idea, we raised €31,000 approximately last year, and this year we surpassed €45,000, we are over the moon with the response,” she told the Westmeath Examiner.

“We did have a few things that went against us in the day – the horrendous weather and rain that fell meant that we had to cancel our collections for two hours during the day, and we were concerned that would have a negative impact, but in fact people were extraordinarily generous and stopped and took the time to make their donations.”

Annmarie says the other factor for the increase in donations, she believes, is the fact that the committee now have contactless payment methods, such as tap machines, QR codes, and an online JustGiving page.

“This year we had quite a bit of interaction with local schools. They hosted their own collections, but it wasn’t just about the fundraising, it was about raising awareness and young people learning that a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on our long-term health outcomes,” said Annmarie.

“I’d just like to thank everyone for their generosity, and to all the volunteers who collected on the day. We’re a voluntary organisation, everyone gives of their time for free, and they do so with a good heart because they’ve either been effected by cancer themselves, or have a family member or friend who has.

“The money ultimately comes back into the area, through night nursing hours, counselling and drivers who bring people to their hospital appointments – it all comes back.”

A cheque presentation will take place later this month.