Back in 1968, a new event made its debut on the Orillia social calendar and it’s been a mainstay ever since.
In its inaugural year, local women donned fancy hats and white gloves and enjoyed a formal tea service in the back garden of a local citizen’s home.
This year, what’s become known as the Daffodil Fashion Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a dramatically different event that has the same goal: To raise money to help those fighting cancer.
“It’s pretty amazing to think this event is celebrating 50 years,” said Karen Beaulieu, community fundraising specialist for the Simcoe Muskoka Community Office of the Canadian Cancer Society. “It’s a fun event and a great fundraiser.”
Money raised at the popular event aids the Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope transportation program. That is an important service that helps those with cancer get to and from medical appointments.
In 2017, 27 volunteer drivers drove 124 local cancer patients a total of 255,791 kilometres. The program cost last year was $73,956.29. The average cost of a ride is $50.
“It’s a valuable program,” said Beaulieu. “Those statistics are just for our clients in the Orillia and Ramara area.”
She said the money is used to reimburse the volunteer drivers for the costs associated with driving: gas, insurance and maintenance.
The Daffodil Fashion Show will take place Thursday night at the Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
The show is comprised of local cancer survivors modelling fashions from Orillia and area clothing stores. Those involved this year include: Eclipse, Fashion Therapy, Joseph Men's Clothier, Just Elaine's, Mariposa Market Scent Shop, Northern Reflections, Simply Special and Studio Eleven.
“Local firefighters are there to escort our models on to the stage and they will greet people as well,” said Beaulieu. “It’s a unique, fun event.”
In addition to the fashion show, refreshments and cash bar, there will be a silent auction with lots of goods up for grabs from local stores. There will also be a guest speaker who will talk about being the family member living with someone who has cancer.
“Everybody at some point in time is affected by cancer in some way, shape or form,” said Beaulieu. “One day you or a family member may need services offered through the Canadian Cancer Society so supporting events like this keeps those programs alive.
Tickets are $25 and are available at all eight participating stores mentioned above. For information, call the Canadian Cancer Society Simcoe Muskoka Community office at 705-726-8032 or email [email protected]
