The Irish Cancer Society is the national charity in the Ireland dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, and improving the lives of those living with cancer (charity number CHY5863).
The Society was founded in 1963 and is financed entirely by voluntary contributions from the public and receives no government funding; it is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. The three core services of the Society are: patient care, education and research.
The Society is governed by a Board of directors composed of leading medical, scientific and business persons. The Board is also advised by two expert committees in medical and financial matters.
The Society and its independent Board recommend worthy proposals for funding by the Irish Cancer Society.
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The largest singe fund-raising activity of the ICS is the annual Daffodil Day which raised approximately 4 million Euro in 2008, about 22% of its annual revenue.
The first Daffodil Day in Ireland was held in 1988, led by President of the Irish Cancer Society, Professor Austin Daragh and the CEO, Mr Tom Hudson. Mr Charles Cully had been President of the Society from 1984 - 1987 and he was inspired by the Canadian Daffodil Day. Daffodil Day has been held in Ireland every year since and it has become a major annual event. In 2008 approximately 4 million euro was collected.
The Daffodil became the logo of the Irish Cancer Society in 2001 and has also become the Canadian Cancer Society logo. In effect it is becoming an international symbol for Cancer and Daffofil Days are now held in the US, Australia and other countries.
In the area of education the Society provides educational bursaries to nurses who undertake the Higher Diploma in cancer and Palliative Care Nursing. The Irish Cancer Society is also committed to the continuing education of non-specialised nurses caring for cancer patients through a five-day educational programme which is intended as an introduction to the concept of cancer nursing.
Ray D'Arcy's Shave Or Dye Campaign helps raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.[1]