Free suntan lotion in Toronto parks

The City of Toronto, the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation have partnered on a public health pilot project to provide free sunscreen in select city parks.The Health Canada-approved sunscreen is available in dispensers, similar to hand sanitizer dispensers. Crews provided by the melanoma foundations will maintain and stock the dispensers through the trial.

Sunscreen is an important part of an overall sun safety routine.

The two foundations are covering all costs, with the city providing locations and administrative support.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada,” said Danielle Paterson, Executive Director of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and a representative for the Douglas Wright Foundation. “Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, is one of the fastest rising cancers in Canada. Fortunately, skin cancer is largely preventable, by protecting your skin from the sun with shade, long clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
“We are delighted to launch this partnership with the City to help prevent skin cancer by raising awareness and offering free sunscreen at popular parks,” said Paterson.

“We encourage residents to enjoy the warmer weather and physical activity opportunities that the summer months bring, while keeping sun safety tips top of mind,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. “Sunscreen is an important part of an overall sun safety routine for all skin types. This new initiative provides a great opportunity to remind residents of simple ways that they can incorporate sun safety in their outdoor activities this summer.”

The pilot project launched Aug. 2, 2017 with six dispensers in five parks. If successful, expansion of the project is planned. The pilot project’s social media hashtag is #besunsafe. A project website, http://www.besunsafe.ca, provides more information about the pilot project, sun safety tips and a map. Dispensers are located in these parks, often close to the waterfront trail:
• Kew Gardens Park
• Sherbourne Common, south
• Harbour Square Park
• HTO Park, east
• Little Norway Park
— Danielle Paterson, David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, 416-938-9850
The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund’s mission is to save lives from melanoma. Created in 2007, DCMF takes action on melanoma through awareness, prevention and research.

More information is available at http://www.dcmf.ca.