Stay Safe This Summer - Riverview Adds Four Free Public Sunscreen Dispensers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Pilot project launches 30 new public sunscreen dispensers in municipalities across Canada

Riverview, NB - June 2, 2023

Four free public sunscreen dispensers have been installed in Riverview, NB, along with other locations across Canada, as part of a pilot project to fight skin cancer by making sunscreen more accessible. 

The project is led by Save Your Skin Foundation and medical student siblings Samuel and Karen Farag. Last year, Riverview was one of four municipalities who took part in the initiative. Its first dispenser, installed on Riverfront Trail, was such a success that four dispensers will be added across the community this year. Seven other municipalities have also joined the initiative in 2023 for a total of 30 new sunscreen dispensers. 

Two of Riverview’s new dispensers will be available at Lion’s Community Park on Buckingham Avenue. The other two will be mobile units, used at special outdoor events throughout the summer. 

“We’re excited about the opportunity to once again partner with the Save Your Skin Foundation to provide our residents with even more access to free sunscreen this summer,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew J. LeBlanc. “Having two dispensers close to a prime location for fun in the sun — our Lion Ken Gabbey Community Pool — makes it an even greater place to play.” 

The dispensers are automatic and touchless, and provide free, Health Canada approved SPF 30 sunscreen for anyone who needs it. The dispensers contain SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, which is a zinc oxide-based sunscreen, free from chemical sunscreen filters, common allergens, and toxic ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, retinyl palminate, PEG, perfume, and sodium lauryl sulphate. Click HERE to view the full list of ingredients. 

“Studies show that young people still aren’t taking sun safety seriously despite incidence rates rising every year,” says Kathy Barnard, stage 4 melanoma survivor and Founder of Save Your Skin Foundation. “Skin cancer can be deadly, but it is also highly preventable.” 

Applying sunscreen is part of an overall sun-safe way to enjoy the outdoors. First, limit your time in the direct sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., seek shade, cover up by wearing long sleeves and pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen, specifically one labelled broad-spectrum SPF 30, protect the lips with lip sunscreen or zinc oxide. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming. 

About Save Your Skin Foundation 

Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) is a patient-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to the fight against non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and ocular melanoma through education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives across Canada. SYSF provides a community of oncology patient and caregiver support throughout the entire continuum of care, from prevention and diagnosis to survivorship. Please visit saveyourskin.ca for more information. 

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