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Town of Riverview / News / Riverview Adds Free Public Sunscreen Dispenser To Riverfront Park
yellow sunscreen dispenser attached to wood pole on riverfront trail

Riverview Adds Free Public Sunscreen Dispenser To Riverfront Park

PILOT PROJECT LAUNCHES FREE PUBLIC SUNSCREEN IN MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS CANADA

RIVERVIEW (N.B.) – This summer, free public sunscreen dispensers are coming to Riverview, NB and locations across Canada as part of a pilot project to fight skin cancer by making sunscreen more accessible.
The project has been powered by Save Your Skin Foundation and medical student siblings Samuel and Karen Farag, with support from the municipalities of Summerside, PEI, Riverview, NB, Brooks, AB, and New Westminster, BC - as well as BC Cancer.

“Sun-induced skin disorders can be devastating for those affected and their loved ones,” said Samuel Farag, a third-year medical student at Sherbrooke University. “It is a very prominent issue here in Atlantic Canada. However, the good news is that we are not powerless. It is therefore an honor to aid in the fight against this ever-growing problem alongside experienced professionals at the Save Your Skin Foundation in the city I call home.”

The dispenser in Riverview is located behind the gazebo on the Riverfront Trail.

“We’re excited about this initiative that will provide our residents with access to free sunscreen this summer,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew J. LeBlanc. “Sun safety is very important to prevent skin cancer, and anything we can do to proactively protect ourselves is a step in the right direction.”

The dispensers will be automatic and touchless, and will provide free, Health Canada approved SPF 30 sunscreen for anyone who needs it. The dispensers will 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, parfume, 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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Media Contact

Ashly Barron

Communications Manager
Town of Riverview
506-387-2072
abarron@townofriverview.ca
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Amy Rosvold

Save Your Skin Foundation
778-317-1485
amy@saveyourskin.ca

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