Support for the Irish Cancer Society's Daffodil Day came in many guises yesterday, with Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne back on the beat over lunch-hour in Dublin city centre.
Mr John Keogh, Tayto's chief executive, was bagging crisps, and the board of management at Johnson & Johnson, the pharmaceutical firm, was up to its elbows in suds - washing the cars of members of the staff.
Many were supporting their companies' efforts, with employees at Bewley's cafes donating an hour's wages, senior management at Brown Thomas a day's money, and Bank of Ireland workers organising fundraising events. More than 5,000 volunteers were involved. The Irish Cancer Society had set a €2.25 million target for the day for specialist nursing services.
Other chief executives taking part directly included Mr Liam O'Mahony, CRH plc; Mr Mike Soden, Bank of Ireland; Mr Bill McCabe, Smartforce; Ms Veronica Campbell, Campbell Bewley Group; Senator Feargal Quinn, Superquinn; and Ms Gillian Bowler, Budget Travel.
For the "Back to the Shop Floor" campaign they rolled up their sleeves and did a task synonymous with the day-to-day running of their businesses. They raised funds by inviting colleagues, suppliers or staff to sponsor them.