The City of Toronto has partnered with David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, Douglas Wright Foundation and Shoppers Drug Mart to deliver the 7th annual #BeSunSafe program this summer.
The #BeSunSafe program aims to help prevent skin cancer by providing park users sunscreen and an opportunity to take a break in the shade to people enjoying some of Toronto’s parks. Protecting skin from the sun is the best way to prevent skin cancer.
#BeSunSafe touchless sunscreen dispensers are now available at 65 waterfront park locations, from Marie Curtis Park in the west to Bluffers Park in the east and High Park, the City’s largest park.
Founding partners the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, the Douglas Wright Foundation and four-time sponsor Shoppers Drug Mart are covering all costs. The charities will maintain and stock dispensers across Toronto while the City provides administrative support and site access.
Sunscreen provided in the #BeSunSafe dispensers is SPF 30, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), PABA-free, paraben-free, scent-free and mineral-based. The campaign reminds park users:
• Apply sunscreen every two hours
• Reapply after swimming or sweating
• No sunscreen provides 100 per cent protection
• Use sunscreen with other sun protection measures such as limiting time in the sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen may be used on babies older than six months
If you have previously reacted to sunscreen, check with your doctor first.
A map with the dispensers’ location and information about skin cancer and sun safety tips is on the #BeSunSafe website: www.besunsafe.ca.
Since the #BeSunSafe program began in 2017, the sunscreen dispensers have been used more than one million times, dispensing more than 1,000 litres of sunscreen. Since 2020, the #BeSunSafe program has donated 150 canopy tents to provide critical shade to those participating in City camp programming.
The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund is a Canadian charity that saves lives from melanoma by raising awareness, promoting prevention and supporting research. It is devoted to fighting melanoma in Canada by increasing awareness, educating the public about early detection and preventive measures, and fostering partnerships between like-minded organizations. More information is available on the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund website: www.dcmf.ca.
SOURCE City of Toronto
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