Tulips can help give breath
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Michael J Brethour
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EMC News -Belleville - The true meaning of the word tulips is "perfect love." 
Michael J Brethour, Belleville EMC
Caley Weese and Tracey Rittwage from McDougall Insurance, are shown with Debbie Nolan of the Ontario Lung Association and tulips which are the signature flower of the organization. McDougall Insurance is the first business to jump on board for Tulip Day for the company matching program. Photo: Michael J Brethour
The Ontario Lung Association is asking residents of friendly city to show that perfect love for not only the official Tulip Day of March 7, but the week of March 5 until 10.
Debbie Nolan, volunteer and fund development coordinator with the Hastings Prince Edward branch, said the tulip is the Lung Association's signature flower.
"It is low fragrance and non-allergic, which allows it to be enjoyed by everyone, especially people with breathing difficulties. By purchasing tulips you are supporting lung health research and programs for people who desire to learn more about managing and living with lung disease," she said.
The association is hoping residents and businesses will order hundreds of the popular perennial beauties over the next few weeks prior to the day and week when the flowers will be delivered by representatives and volunteers of the Ontario Lung Association.
In 2010 the organization packaged just over 1,000 bunches of tulips, and 1,200 potted plants to be delivered to 150 businesses in the Belleville. The 2011 totals were not available. Last year the
event hoped to raise $20,000, this year the organization is hoping for an increase of six per cent which works out to $21,200.
The tulips are $7 for a bunch of five or $9 for a pot of six. Businesses and individuals interested in placing orders for the flowers can do so online at < www.tulipday.ca>or call the local office at 613-969-0323.
This year Nolan noted a company matching program is being implemented with the Community Cares Program.
"Companies can match the number of pots and bunches their employees buy, they can then donate them to their customers or some other local organization like school teachers or the hospital, whatever they like," she said.
Nearly one million Ontarians live with asthma, which can be potentially life-threatening if not managed well
About 1.5 million Canadians have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), currently the fourth leading cause of death in our country and climbing
An estimated 21,000 Canadians die each year from long-term smog exposure
More than 45,000 Canadians die each year from diseases related to tobacco use, one of the most powerful addictions.
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