Have you seen people in France wearing yellow flower pin? This is why

Plus how to join in and get a daffodil pin for charity

Daffodils are the flower of choice for the centre’s cancer awareness campaign
Published Last updated

If you are in France over the next couple of weeks, you may notice people wearing a daffodil pin on their clothes.

It is not a sign of a newfound French appreciation for Wales however, but part of the Une Jonquille Contre le Cancer (a daffodil against cancer) initiative hosted by the Institut Curie.

The campaign is running between March 12 and 24 across France, with businesses and volunteers joining to help raise money and awareness for the centre.

It is the 20th year of the campaign, and last year around €1.4 million was raised.

Read more: Cancer deaths rising among under 65s in France, says specialist

Where can I buy a pin?

Daffodil pins are sold outside the Village Jonquille in Paris, as well as the entrances to the two Institut Curie centres (in Paris’ 5th arrondissement and in Saint-Cloud).

There will also be pop-up stands in Truffaut garden centres where pins can be purchased.

They can also be purchased online through the Institut Curie’s website, alongside daffodil notebooks, pens, and shopping bags, with proceeds going towards the drive.

Alternatively, if you wish to simply make a donation, you can do so via telephone (by texting ESPOIR to 92 002, or online through the unejonquillecontrelecancer.fr.

You can also send a cheque to: l'Institut Curie, Service Donateurs, Iris Marson, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05.

Read more: Why might I be asked to wear a mask on French public transport?

What events are going on for the initiative?

Fundraising events will be held up and down the country in partnership with the institute.

One raffle prize could see residents in France win four tickets to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games – all they need to do is make a €5 donation to the campaign, and in return receive a code they can sign up to the raffle with online.

A ‘run for cancer’ activity is taking place, however it is running concurrently with the overall campaign.

People can pledge to run or walk a certain length, and for every kilometre Allianz France (the main sponsor of the event) will donate €1.

Related articles

Who gets called for a mammogram in France? Is it free?

Long-term health patients fear reimbursement reforms in France