Linda Ryan was one of nine people recognized as a 2024 Senior of Distinction. With Ryan are Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Paul Pike (left) and Premier Andrew Furey.
By Mark Squibb
Linda Ryan of Mount Pearl was one of nine people recognized by the province as a Senior of Distinction at an award ceremony held in St. John’s earlier this month.
“I was excited, thrilled, delighted, humbled, and most of all, honoured,” said Ryan, who quipped that she still finds it hard to wrap her head around the fact she’s now a senior. “But it was really lovely to be in the room that morning with all those seniors from across the province that have accomplished so much and volunteered their precious time. I’ve said before that as we age, our time is so precious, and to be able to volunteer, and to be appreciated for the work that we do, is pretty special.”
Ryan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Following her diagnosis, she funnelled her time and energy into helping others facing similar diagnoses, and in 2011, Pink Days in Bloom was born.
“Pink Days in Bloom initiative is a way for me to give back, and the whole idea behind it is to uplift others on their cancer journey,” said Ryan. “And I felt the best way to give back was to support the important work of Daffodil Place. They do a lot of incredible work. Everybody calls it a home away from home. So, all the fundraisers I’ve done over the last several years fully support Daffodil Place.”
Ryan estimates that Pink Days in Bloom has raised about a quarter of a million dollars for Daffodil Place through different fundraising events, such as the annual “Socks in the City” Christmas market.
Vendors at the fair pick up the tab for a night at Daffodil Place, including one night accommodation for a cancer patient and their companion, three meals a day, transportation to-and-from medical appointments, entertainment, and more. Ryan receives donations of handknits from across the province, and 100 percent of proceeds from the knitted donations are donated to Daffodil Place, and money raised by entry fees and raffle tickets also go towards Daffodil Place.
Pink Days in Bloom also organizes Teacups for Hope and the Comfort and Joy Auction, amongst other initiatives, all in support of Daffodil Place.
This year’s event will be held at the Glendenning Golf Club on Sunday, November 3.
Last year’s “Socks in the City” event raised some $16,000 — or 160 nights stay at Daffodil Place for cancer patients and their loved ones.
“There’s a saying that you can’t spell ‘community’ without ‘unity’,” said Ryan. “While it’s true that an individual can’t help everyone, an individual can help someone.”
Ryan has received numerous other accolades in recognition of her volunteer efforts over the years, including Canada’s Volunteer Award for Community Leaders (Atlantic Region), the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary International.
