The success of the #BeSunSafe program in waterfront parks last year has prompted the City of Toronto, the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation to expand their public health program providing free sunscreen in select City parks this summer. The purpose of the #BeSunSafe program is to prevent skin cancer by raising awareness of the importance of sun protection.
The Health Canada-approved SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen will be available at 75 dispensers located in City parks along the waterfront as well as several new locations. High Park, Riverdale Farm and Evergreen Brick Works dispensers have been added to this year’s program.
Last year, 50 sunscreen dispensers helped to protect up to 94,000 Torontonians and raised awareness about preventing skin cancer. The 2018 program won the Canadian Dermatology Association Public Education Award.
The two melanoma charities are covering all costs and will maintain and stock the dispensers across Toronto, while the City provides administrative support. The #BeSunSafe program website, https://www.besunsafe.ca/, includes information about skin cancer, sun safety and a map showing the location of the dispensers, once they are installed, which is expected in July.
Quotes:
“Toronto is great place to live, work and play during the summer months and we want to make sure that everyone who spends time outside is practising sun safety so that they can fully enjoy all the city has to offer.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The waterfront is a unique treasure in our city, and one of the many spots where residents and visitors alike can enjoy summer. I’m pleased that our partners have expanded this initiative to additional locations so that more people from near and far can enjoy the sun safely.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health
“Protecting and promoting good health is important all year, and especially during summer months. Making sure to apply sunscreen regularly, wearing sunglasses and seeking shade while spending time outdoors are great ways to stay sun-safe in warmer temperatures. This initiative promotes positive health for our residents and visitors and I encourage everyone to enjoy summer activities while taking simple steps to protect themselves and reduce the risk of skin damage this time of year.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health
“Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. Protecting your skin in the sun is the best way to reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Our sunscreen dispensers will raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and provide sun protection to thousands. We are very proud to expand our partnership with the City of Toronto and look forward to another summer of empowering Torontonians to be sun safe.”
– Danielle Paterson, Executive Director of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and representative for the Douglas Wright Foundation.
The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund is a Canadian charity that saves lives from melanoma by raising awareness, promoting prevention and supporting research. Visit http://dcmf.ca/ for more information.
The Douglas Wright Foundation 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 at http://www.douglaswrightfoundation.com/
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